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Yours very truly, 

DELL HAIR 



SONGS 



OF 



DARKNESS, LIGHT 



AND 



DEATH 



V 

DELL HAIR 




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PREFACE. 

Dkll Hair, the flowing* poet, whom God hath so 
wonderfully blessed so as to enable him to pour forth 
the following" beautiful rhymes as easily as water comes 
from a flowing- well, was born of poor, but respect- 
able parents in Shiawassee county. State of Michig-an, 
on the fourth day of November, A. D. 1871. His days 
of youth were principally spent at manual labor, thus 
enabling- him to receive scarcely a common school edu- 
cation. He in childhood has ofttimes been called a 
fool, it being- hard for him to understand, and he never 
could express his thoug-hts without studying- in soli- 
tude, but was known to write a few verses at the ag-e 
of twelve years and even young^er. Thus years passed 
by, his g-reat mind sleeping- as it were, and he being- 
no lover of hard manual labor, enlisted in the reg-ular 
army at the early ag-e of nineteen years. Here his 
mind fully awakened and he first wrote the beautiful 
poem, "The Poet's Dream of the End of Time." He 
has numberless times been known by his comrades to 
take a cartridg-e from his belt and mark his thoug-hts 
upon the walls of the fort and even in the sand at 
midnig-ht. With his many faults he is blessed on every 
hand with numberless friends. This wonderful talent 
is not hereditary; 'tis g-iven to only a few, and never 
before was such a work placed before the public by 
one so young-. May success crown his future under- 
taking-s. 



CONTENTS. 

A Stormy Nig-ht on Forty-second Street, New York, . . 9 

An Indian Girl's I^ament at the Grave of Her Lover, . 16 

An Angel's Description of Heaven, ...... 18 

A Runaway's Return; or Thirteen Years Ag-o, ... . 20 

A Brave Wife, 22 

A Visit at Mother's Grave, 23 

A Dying- Boy's Appeal, . . . . . . . .2.^ 

As Dear as Beautiful Women to Me, 26" 

A Drunkard's Appetite, . . . . . . . . 28 

A Sabbath Eve in Prison, 31 

A Mother's Dream, 33 

A Stroll on New Year's Eve, 36 

A Saint's First T>Ry in Heaven. — Composed on the Lord's 

Prayer, ........... 39 

Address to the Sun, . . . . . . . . . • 42 

A Description of Perry, Okla. Ter. (at the time of the open- 
ing-), 44 

Another Pocahontas, ........ 47 

A Trag-edv — From Grave to Hell; or, St. Peter's Love for a 

Soldier, 51 

A Description of Medicine Bluff, ...... 57 

Advice to Young- Heroes, 59 

A Soldier's Dream of Heaven (composed in an Oklahoma 

sand storm after an hour's dreaming), .... 61 

A Child's Faith in God, 64 

Acrostics, ........... 68 

A Drunkard, .......... 70 

Battle of Medicine Bluff, Foug-ht August 26, 1892, . . 71 

Battle of Rainy Mountain, Fought August 28, 1893, . . 73 

Beware of Women with Rolling- Eyes, .... 76 

Composed while serving a ten day's sentence in a dark cell, 

for loud and boisterous singing, ..... 78 



6 CONTENTS. 

Drifting- on the Deep, ........ 81 

Early Marriage Among- the Tribes 84 

For Some One to Read 87 

His Pitiful Story 88 

In Mind I'm a Child Tonight 89 

In Remembrance of a Child — David Robinson, . ... 91 

In Remembrance of Her Last — "Don't Forg-et Me When I'm 

Gone," Nora Wheeler, 93 

I'm Mourning- for Mother, Strang-er, . . . . .94 

In Remembrance of Luther Harmon, of Adventist Faith; 

as Told by the Weeping- Willow, 98 

I Will Give the Mule to Father 100 

Just the Same as Ever, 103 

L/Oved but Lost, 105 

Life Compared to a Billow, ....... 106 

My Ambition When a Boy, 108 

My Afflictions Throug-h Life, 112 

Mt. Etna as Described by a Shepherd, 116 

Michael and Pat, 118 

My Michig-an, 121 

Nobody Mourns When a Soldier Dies, 123 

Ode to the Flag, 124 

Ode to Death, 126 

Pursuit and Capture of Benavidies, the Notorious Outlaw, 127 

Proceeding-s of the Apaches before their Deceased, . . 131 

Quietly They Slee p in Texas, . . .... 133 



CONTENTS. 7 

Rheumatism, 134 

Saturday's Inspection of Company G, at Ft. Sill, O. T,, . 136 

Suitable Epitaphs for the Dead, ...... 140 

Sweet Hoosier Jennie, Farewell 142 

The Burial, 143 

The Parting- of Two Scottish I^overs, ..... 145 

The Song- of a Church Bell, 147 

The Poet's Dream of the End of Time 149 

The Fate of the War Ship, Victoria, sunk by the Camper- 
down, June 23, 1893, 152 

'Tis for Home and Tviberty, ....... 155 

The Song- of Seasons, ........ 156 

The Wonderful Sculptor, 159 

The Parting of Reuben and Manda, 161 

The Two Pencil Sellers 164 

The Deceased King-'s Royalty of Rest, .... 165 

The Parting- of Two Lovers — Willie's Appeal to his Mary, 168 

The Old Schoolroom and the Master so Cruel, . . . 170 

The Ang-ry Pecan and the Pleasant Oak, .... 176 

The Poet's Plea, 180 

The Destruction of Welling-ton, Kansas, as witnessed by 

the writer. May 27, 1892, 182 

'Tis Hard for the Wealthy to Die, 184 

The Poet's Song- of Home, 186 

The Burial of Private Ivodders, 188 

To the Memory of Georg-e Bretz, a Trumpeter, slain August 

26, 1892, 190 

The Haunted Cavern, 192 

The Opening of the Cherokee Strip, 194 

Ten Soldiers with Twenty Bags of Gold, .... 196 

The Corbett and Mitchell Contest, giving rounds, . . 201 

Waiting for the Cow, 206 

Where Find Thy Rest, O, Mortal Man, 208 

So Tired is the Poet's Brain, 210 



SONGS OF DARKNESS. LIGHT 
AND DEATH. 



A STORMY NIGHT ON FORTY-SECOND STREET, 

NEW YORK. 

The nig"ht grows old in the alley grim, 

There poverty abounds them; 
Like eyes in death the window's shine, 

Hung-er and death surrounds them. 
The walls were old, g-rim and g'ray, 

And the crystal flakes were falling; 
I heard an urchin's distant cry, 

For mother she was calling. 

I crept, I crept, like a wounded snail, 
For ni}^ echo rang while walking; 
I paused a moment, by an oaken door. 
And heard the inmates talking-; 
"God pity us," a mother cried, 
"I long- to see the morrow. 
Though it bring-s but lig-ht for us to die, 
We can neither buy nor borrow." 



10 SONGS OF DAKKNESS, 

Cruel poverty, thou art but death 

Condensed, and leaves remaining- 
Mourning thousands on this earth to mourn, 

With faith in God sustaining. 
The infant mourns, the husband sighs, 

Cold is the hearth, and storming; 
A trembling hand, to quench the thirst. 

Breaks the ice, so fastly forming. 

'"Thou art welcome, come," an infant cries. 

Inviting death to enter; 
"Ma, there's an angel in the room. 

And God to earth has sent her. 

"She is freezing," the mother cried, aloud, 

"Don't you hear the warning?" 

And reached her arm, the child to take. 

But cold was her young darling. 

Beneath that roof I heard their cries. 

The babe in death was laying; 
I heard them slowly kneeling down. 

And a tender voice praying; 
I thought, such faith have the}^ in God, 

To implore from Him a blessing. 
Their room was cold, dark and grim 

Now a frozen child caressing. 



IJGHT AND DEATH. 11 

With trembling- lips, I crept along-, 

Till I heard an indoor squeaking-, 
I paused upon my drear}^ path, 

'Twas facts that I was seeking-- 
I saw a candle melting- fast, 

A dim lig-ht there was shining-; 
Parents, drunk, lay on the floor. 

And a daug-hter, young-, seemed pining-. 

I saw the hearth had long- been cold, 

And the flame of lig-ht expiring-; 
The child beside her parents crept. 

And prayed before retiring-. 
She laid her down, the room was dark, 

A lance my heart seemed g-oringf; 
The father raised and turned ag-ain. 

And like the swine was snoring". 

I remained awhile upon my knees, 
The cold my limbs benumbing-; 
Then I heard a rap at another door. 
Like that of muffled drumming-. 
''Bill, awake!" the father cried, 

As he stagg-ered unconcerning-, 
"Find a pitcher, go your way. 
And fill before returning-." 



12 SONGS OF DAKKNESS, 

''But, pa, there is no more for thee, 
They told me on the morrow 
If I returned with bucket dr}', 

'Twould bring- to you more sorrow.'' 
"Liar; g^o! " the father cried; 

The hid at once departed; 
I heard a cr}' as I have gave. 

When, all but broken-hearted. 

I, creeping back, the battered door 

Upon one hing-e was swing-ing-. 
The drunken mother says, "He'll come," 

And commenced at once her sing-ing. 
"That boy, that boy, I know he'll come. 

He is afraid of us, I am sure; 
How the silvery foam will rise and fall. 

As I swallow the draug-ht so pure." 

I crept along that dreary path. 

My wrath was now expanding-; 

I saw a shadow on a wall; 

In front a form was standing-. 

He paused at leng-th, he muttered low, 
"How escape this humiliation. 

My door leads to an inferno. 
Not a human habitation." 



* LIGHT AND DP:ATH. 13 

Unseen, unheard, I lay as dead, 

Like a child I heard him crying-; 
His mourns soon ceased, he cursed aloud, 

The warth of God defying-. 
"Who dare this wicked soul destroy? 

Is there wrath in God, I wonder? 
If there be, then smite me to the earth, 

Lest I perish with the hung-er." 

My strong- heart paused to bound ag-ain, 

The wrath of God 'twas fearing-; 
Then I saw a form move slowl}' on, 

And the shadow disappearing-. 
Will I remain or follow on? 

My brain was next containing-; 
It bade me g-o, I crept along-, 

Saw sig-hts beyond explaining-. 

Up a creaking- flig-ht of steps he walked, 

I slowly crept behind him; 
He turned a knob on an inner door, 

I tried, but could not find him. 
I heard a sound in another room 

Like that of distant thunder. 
The creaking- roof had fell below, 

And crushed his form asunder. 



14 SONGS OF DA KK NESS, 

The wrath of God had come but slow. 

His wish thus satisf34ng"; 
He cursed his God, defied His wrath, 

And prostrate he la}- dying-. 
There came a form through another door, 

A faint light she was bearing-; 
The g-ore soon stained her naked feet. 

She her g-olden hair was tearing-. 

The snow fell fast between the walls. 

Her lig"ht was g-rowing- dimmer, 
A few flakes hissing- on the wick. 

The walls was g-rowing- grimmer. 
I heard the shut of a distant door, 

And the echo from the weeping-; 
She soon returned with a dimmer lig-ht. 

With urchins erect and creeping. 

She grasped the old moss-covered roof. 

Her giant arms extending-. 
And, looking downward, saw his face; 

I heard her wails ascending-: 
"Your father's dead," the mother cries; 

On his blood stained cheek 'twas snowing-, 
And, looking- heavenward, cried "Oh! God, 

His half-chilled blood still flowing." 



IJGHT AND DEATH. 15 

The snow fell faster o'er the dead, 

Black clouds were hurled above her; 
She left the room, returned a»"ain, 

And o'er him spread a cover. 
The chilly winds ag-ain would blow, 

And the walls, I saw them reeling-, 
Her lig-ht ag"ain was g^rowing- dim, 

I saw her g-enth' kneeling. 

The light soon fled, the walls seemed gone, 

I heard two tongues consoling; 
'Twas mother and her elder child; 

The midnight bells were tolling. 
I turned, and slowl}^ reached the ground. 

By grasping firm the railing, 
Then walking on, for all was stilled 

But the mother's midnight wailing. 

I then returned to my quiet room. 

To take a moment's slumber; 
I saw, in dreams, that dreary street. 

And orphans without number. 
Farewell, farewell, grim street of hell, 

You my bitter thoughts have nourished; 
And they say a boy, with bucket dry, 

At a drunkard's door has perished. 



16 SONGS OF DAKKNESS, 

AN INDIAN GIRLS LAMENT AT THL GRAVE OF 

HER LOVER. 

Beneath this tree is a lonely grave, 
Where sleeps a warrior, 3'oung" and brave; 
For years I've returned to this lonely place, 
And smoothed the sand o'er my lover's face. 
My prayer ascends to God each da}^ 
Over the g-rave where he now doth lay. 

I know he lives, though buried low. 
And aims his spear at the buffalo; 
But I will wander to this little mound, 
'Till I meet him on the hunting-ground; 
And, to the God, I often pray 
That time be short I have to stay. 

A cruel paleface gave him rest, 

And buried his sword in his manl}- breast; 

Severed the warcoat I arrayed with beads, 

Then led away his noble steeds. 

The cruel aim of his g'listening" steel 

Tapped the fount that stained the heel. 

The one I love is buried here, 
I moistened his g^rave with many a tear; 
His body moulders beneath this mound, 
But he is happy on the hunting-ground,. 
With buckskin belt and wampom braid. 
And the beaded moccasins that I made. 



* LIGHT AND DEATH. 17 

And his quiver, too, of the softest skin; 
I found his arrowheads, g-round them thin. 
They caused the hiding" panther pain. 
For they steered direct to his deadly aim. 
He slew the tig-er, but spared the dove, 
His heart was tender and full of love. 

How oft we rambled, hand in hand. 

And followed the deer on the heated sand; 

Would pause to rest by a chattering- rill, 

Then hasten to a distant hill, 

And ascend ag^ain on its barren side, 

His eye would rest on an otter's slide. 

Oh! could I soar like the birds above. 

Or had I wing-s like the turtle dove. 

Over this g-len I would soar 1onig*ht, 

I'd smooth his g-rave and take m}- flig-ht, 

His loving- face I soon would see. 

For I'd throw myself in the rag-ing- sea. 

On the hunting--g-round I'd meet him there. 
With his manly form and raven hair, 
And he would say, "oh! can this be. 
My love has come at last to me? " 
None know m}^ heart since my lover fell; 
I long- to die, farewell, farewell. 



18 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

AN ANGEL'S DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN. 

I once was journeying- on a long- road, so dreary, 
For refug-e I sought, that long- weary day, 

No g-enerous hand was waiting- to aid me, 

And, yielding- to slumber, by the roadside I lay. 

A few moments passed and sweet was this slumber, 
Noxious weeds my berth, my pillow a stone; 

Ivow in the valley I heard harps without number; 

Karth seemed a heaven and I slept on the throne. 

I tried to awake, my slumber was deepened. 
The music I heard can never be told. 

As were the sun shining- my berth was alighted, 
And g-listened like diamonds on crowns of gold. 

They gathered around me, could I but uttered. 

Their banner waived high on a golden rod; 
It seemed to express, for plainly I read it. 

Their gratefulness and love to the Almighty God. 

Our journey is ended, the poet is sleeping, 

But power from Heaven to him will be given; 

We will soar to our God, awake him tomorrow. 
That he may describe the interior of Heaven. 

They departed from me, I saw the ascension. 
Oh! could I awake and bid them farewell; 

In depths of sweet dreams I slumbered 'till morning, 
Was awakened by thunder this story to tell. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 19 

Heaven is our home, God's throne and g-lory 

Can be described only by the inmates therein, 

The paths are of g-old, the lig-ht is the Savior, 

Who mourns for the lost and their g-reat plans 
of sin. 

With intent sadness he looks down upon you. 

His tears fall like rain when a poor soul is lost; 

He remembers the thorns and the scars that he weareth, 
And his dying- for sin upon Calvary's cross. 

We kneel at the throne and worship the Savior, 

Tho' on the proud earth we are numbered as dead. 

The g-olden bells ring- on a strand of silver. 

And the Father smiles as we soar o'er His head. 

Wreaths of white lilies, entangled with roses. 
Seem to be hung- on the g-lorious sun; 

The Savior crowns each inmate that enters, 

And sweetly he says, "My servant, well done." 

Time is not known, no clock tells the hour. 
No plag-ue or darkness can e'er enter here, 

No sickness abounds, only tears for the sinners. 

Ah! what a home, and the throne of God neai. 

I bless Thee, oh! God, that I fell in this slumber, 
Also for the power so wonderfully g-iven, 

I bid all farewell, and pray thee take warning-. 
For I have described the g-lories of heaven. 



20 SONGS OP DARKNESS, 

A RUNAWAYS RETURN; OR, THIRTEEN YEARS 

AGO. 

No fairer spot in all this world 
Is found, than my native dell; 

Years have passed, and I've returned 
To g-aze on the abandoned mill. 

The moaning- pine sways to and fro. 

The same as thirteen years ago. 

I see no change in the pretty birds. 
And the flowers bloom the same; 

The farmers plow the soil. 

Different faces reap the g-rain; 

I hear the cattle's distant low, 

The same as thirteen years ago. 

The river glides on to the sea, 

M}' chain is rent in twain, 
That reached its hook to hold my boat 

Then back to the mill ag-ain. 
The moss upon the shore doth g-row. 
The same as thirteen years ago. 

The door swings on one rusty hing-e. 
Prostrate doth the chimney lay. 

The room that held the golden grain 
Is tilled with the broken clay. 

My manhood tears doth startle so. 

As I think of thirteen years ago. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 21 

When I was here a miller's boy, 

Had parents and a home; 
'Tis true, I loved my mother dear, 

But 'twas my desire t(> roam; 
So determined was my mind to g-o. 
That I ran away thirteen years agfo. 

I asked a farmer, while passing- by. 
Where the miller could be found; 

He bowed his head upon his hand. 
And g-azed on the secret ground: 
"He slumbers there with his wife, so low, 

We buried them both thirteen years ag-o." 

"Both died from sorrow, the neig-hbors said, 
They were rearing" but one child, dear, 

He was either stolen or ran away, 
And no tiding-s could they hear." 

I bitterly wept, nor could I g-o 

To a friend of thirteen years agfo. 



22 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

A BRAVH WIFE. 

His faded coat of army blue 

Seemed covered o'er with dust; 
His g^un barrel and his bayonet 

Was mixed with blood and rust. 
His wife stood by him bravely 

And faced the rebel's hell 
Till far into the evening" 

By a Minie ball she fell. 

All day upon the battle field, 

Throug^h dang-er she would bring- 
Cold water to the wounded 

From out a bubbling- spring-; 
But, alas! that fatal volley, 

From the rebs' retreating- line, 
Severed her youthful happiness 

Just blooming- in her prime. 

The g-allant soldiers g-athered 

Where the cannons loud did roar. 
And many eyes were weeping-. 

That scarce had wept before. 
She is sleeping- on the battle field, 

No cofi&n did she fill; 
Still she is resting- with the brave 

That fell on Shiloh's hill. 



• IJGHT AND DEATH. 23 

A VISIT AT MOTHER'S GRAVE. 

I am seated once more at mother's g-rave, 
She has slumbered in death for years; 

I remember her love when I was a boy; 
Mine eyes are now blinded with tears. 

The mother I loved, has faded away, 

She is slumbering" in death here, now. 

Oh, could I but smooth her long- waving- hair, 
Or press a kiss on her raven brow. 

She is slumbering- alone on this quiet hillside, 
Her boy has returned here to weep — 

Oh! why did the}- take her away from my side, 
And bury my mother so deep. 

Ma, could I hear thy voice once more, 
'Twould fill this sad soul with joy. 

Could I but utter and receive in reply, 

"What want you, my own darling- boy?" 

Could I hear her sweet voice, as oft, when a child. 
When her hand would dim the bright lig-ht, 
"Kneel to your God, my bo}^ and be blessed, 
And ask for protection tonig-ht. 

"Tell me your troubles, whate'er they are, 
And always remember the poor. 
Think of the homeless, remember thy God, 
Feed all that comes to our door." 



24 SONGS OF DAKKNESS, 

I've laid by mother's side when a babe, 
Her arm I would place on m}- cheek; 

Little thought I she'd be taken awa}', 
And alone I would bitterly weep. 

My cheeks would roll in the cradle so soft, 
I'd listen to mother's sweet song-; 

When ill she would take me from where I lay, 
And nurse me the whole nig"ht long-. 

And g-aze in the heavens when the brig-ht stars fell. 

Ere the strang-er sing-ing in joy; 
Then mother's voice would utter with love, 

''Have pity, oh! God, on m}' boy." 

How oft I dream of seeing my home 

And the mother whom I loved so dear. 

In danger, I cry for her in my sleep, 
And always find her quite near. 

But, ma, thou art dead, I must leave you alone, 
Now I'll strew the lilies I've brought, 

I'll remember thy love when I was a boy, 
And obey the lessons you taught. 

Good-bye, mother, could thou but speak 
To your boy, who to despair is driven. 

Although her body moulders here, 
The soul's found rest in heaven. 



^ LIGHT AND DEATH. 25 

A DYING BOY'S APPEAL. 

"Dear mother, do not weep for me, 
I see the ang-els now. 
With outstretched hands, awaiting- me, 
And clammy is my brow. 

"Oh! mother, I see the g-lorious sun, 

And the Savior walking- by. 
The flowers bloom on every side — 
In joy, ma, I die. 

"I only leave this world of care, 
All trouble I will shun; 
Come, death; come, death; I welcome thee. 
My work on earth is done. 

"I am g-oing- now, dear mother. 
To join the ang-el throng-; 
I hear a voice, sweetly calling-. 

Farewell, farewell, I am g-one." 



26 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

AS DEAR AS BEAUTIFUL WOMEN TO ME. 

No rose upon earth, no star in the sky, 
No ray of the sun, no birds that fly. 
No aster there blooms, no blossoms there be, 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No g"old in the mint, no sweet mistletoe, 
No meteor in heaven, no crystals of snow, 
No joy on earth, no far away tree, 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No g-urg-ling- water, no nourishing- rain. 
No stars in heaven, no g-olden grain. 
No plate that's eng-raved, no wonders at sea, 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No flocks on the heig-hts, no reef that g-rows, 
No rainbows in heaven, no breeze that blows, 
No deer in the forest, no beauty I see, 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No mansion that's lofty, no crowns of the g-reat, 
No g-old beaten coffin, no g-old beaten g-ate. 
No towering monument, no secret degree 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 



I.IGHT AND DEATH. 27 

No path that reads "heaven," no furnace that's red, 
No pillars been laid, no tomb of the dead. 
No door stands ajar, no prayer-bended knee. 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No sword ever swung-, no flag- ever waved. 
No hero has fallen, no brother is saved. 
No home in the universe, no land of the free. 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 

No far away friend, no jewel that's brig-ht, 
No ray in darkness, no monarch of light. 
No hope of heaven, no name could be 
As dear as beautiful women to me. 




28 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

A DRUNKARD'S APPETITE. 

A drunkard's appetite is g^reat, 

And nothing, in its natural state. 

Can satisfy a drunkard's sorrow, 

'Tis born and bred in his bones' marrow. 

He will enter a city from the rear. 
And walk till he reads "fresh lag-er beer." 
Trembling" he enters if he has a dime. 
If in a hurry he takes the time. 

"Give me a horn of that most handy. 
Whisky, g-in, beer, or brandy," 
He takes a drink, turns towards home; 
Last he says, "One drink alone; 

"I will stay, I must be filled. 
My trembling- hand is almost stilled, 
I'd raise a dollar if I could, 
A little more would do me good." 

Last he pawns his shirt and hat. 
His shoes and coat, but what of that? 
He is now possessor of a dollar, 
All is well, he has a collar. 

He thinks, "such luck have I in town," 
And commences at once to pour them down. 
The two together begin to fight — 
One is wrong and the other right. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 29 

Or both mistaken in that land, 
Down g-oes a jury on the stand, 
"This," says the jury, "must be done." 
Now all are riled and two on one. 

The drunkard knows 'tis far from fair. 
He takes another, it makes two pair. 
The're doing- well, but to his surprise, 
There's a curious feeling- above both eyes. 

In his glass he now sees lice. 
The floor seems moving like floating ice, 
His feet are firm, but the weight at the top 
Sways a little, and he takes a drop. 

Too late to stand, sit, or walk. 
His brain is numbed, he cannot talk. 
To froth a little he will soon begin. 
And the world will seem to be falling in. 

He will roar with laughter and bitterly weep, 

Groan a little and fall to sleep; 

In that sleep they are sure to say. 

For we watched the drunkard many a day, 

"Press the grape, let the juice have time 
To change from a worthless state to wine. 
Hark! the bells in hell doth ring," 
Or some other foolish thing. 



30 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

If awakened then, they ne'er will fail 
To imag-ine themselves in the strong^est jail; 
But, ah! the morn, one feels so mean — 
He wants his hat number seventeen. 

Drove to the earth like a shore bound wave. 
Fast they fill a drunkards' grave; 
Drunk today and drunk tomorrow, 
Thus death ends a drunkard's sorrow. 




I.IGHT AND DKATH. 31 

A SABBATH EVE IN PRISON. 

hear the g-urgling- water in a rill that's running nigh, 
hear the happy blackbird chirp as he flies by, 
hear a young squaw singing just outside my cell, 
hear the distant sentry's echo, "all is well." 

hear great tom-toms sounding near the Kiowa camps, 
hear a mounted trooper steer right beneath the lamps, 
hear the church bell ringing in a distant castle fair, 
hear a trembling voice offer to God a prayer. 

see loved comrades sleeping upon a bed of straw, 
see the weaker mourning for the- breaking of the law, 
see an old rock fireplace — the last faint spark is fled, 
see a prisoner pace the floor and count his steady tread. 

see worn garments hanging upon an old stone wall, 
see at morn one ray of light — the dearest sight of all; 
see the roof divided where through would shine the 

stars, 
see for fear of men like me each crevice spanned 

with bars. 

hear a distant roaring brook thunder as it were, 
hear a merry urchin whistling for his cur, 
hear the sergeant's steady tread fast approaching me, 
hear him utter, " all is well," and turn the giant key. 



32 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I see the walls are broken by hands we can't ig-nore, 

I see the names of outlaws carved upon the door, 

I see before mine eyes but g-loom, thoug-h turn both 

rig-ht and rear, 
I see but darkness, all is o'er, I'll tell you what I hear. 

I hear the bug-le on the g-len blasting, "take thy rest," 
I hear a heart send forth its g-ore within a manly breast, 
I hear within this lightless cell as were I in a vision, 
"No chain can bind a poet's brain, thy days are few 
in prison." 




LIGHT AND DKATH. 33 

A MOTHER'S DREAM. 

'Twas in a meek and lowly cottag^e, 
A mother laid her down to sleep, 

Her only boy, the storms were tossing-. 
Far upon the mig-hty deep. 

She prayed ag"ain before she slumbered, 

Her sunken eyes were filled with tears, 
*'Dear Father, send this boy to mother, 

Whom she's not seen for months and years." 

Her eyes are closed in slumber now. 

All's quiet as the dreary moor. 
She imag"ines footsteps are approaching" — 

Three raps knock on the door. 

*'Who is there?" cries the dreaming" mother, 
"Why didst thou come this lonely way?" 
*'Your boy's returned from the cruel ocean 
To g"reet his mother old and g"ray." 

"What! my boy?" the mother uttered, 
As she unbarred the oaken door. 
Spake, and drew him to her bosom, 
"I see my only boy once more." 



34 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

"How oft for 3'OU I've wept all night, 
My tears are now for joy, 
You seem as tender as ever, dear, 
No chang-e is in my boy." 

"I will never leave you, mother, 
Here I'll sta}- forever more, 
No more I'll pray, when storms are raging". 
That I mig*ht reach the distant shore." 

'Tis but a dream, the mother wakes, 
Her heart weig-hs down like lead. 

The room is lonely, 'tis a warning". 
Is he numbered with the dead? 

Alas! the brig"ht sun shone with beauty, 
Spread its wing-s o'er land and sea, 

Ag"ain the mother prayed to heaven 

That saved her only boy mig"ht be. 

She sees a form, 'tis coming- 3'onder, 
And her hope is almost fled; 

Can it be a cruel messag-e. 

That her onl}- boy is dead? 

But the traveler's step is quick'ning", 
And a smile she now can see, 
"That's my bo}^ oh! loving" Father, 

Thou hast broug"ht him back to me.*" 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 35 

*'I was Spared last nig-ht," he answered, 
"From that g-rave, the cruel sea, 
Last nig-ht we wrecked by yonder beacon, 
I was spared to return to thee." 

"What, wrecked, my boy, by beacon Grant, 
Last nig-ht my only hope had fled; 
I dreamed, my boy, of your returning-. 
Oh! I thoug-ht that you were dead." 

"Mother, dear, while left to tarry, 

And long- as breath is lended me, 
I'll remember God and mother. 

And will alwa3's stay with thee." 

And now they dwell in the humble cottag-e, 

A home of care is now but joy, 
And many a prayer I know is answered 

By mother and her only boy. 




36 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

A STROLL ON NEW YEARS' EVE. 

The moon arose and spread her wings 

O'er the captives and the free 
On the nig-ht of the first of January, 

In eig-hteen and ninety-three; 
A few clouds, scattered here and there, 

Dotted the clear blue sky, 
Shattering the moonbeams o'er the vale, 

As the winds would hurl them by. 
The barren limbs of the ash and elm. 

And other forest trees. 
Were bowing their lofty heads beneath 

The pleasant winter breeze. 

No frost had chilled the tender bark. 

No snow upon the ground. 
As I have often seen at home. 

When New Year's eve came round. 
But spots of green grass here and there, 

The meadow larks would sing. 
As he, in northern climates, does. 

When telling us of spring. 
And the little brooklets babbled 

O'er shallow places gay 
And beneath its crystal surface 

The little minnows play. 



* LIGHT AND DEATH. 37 

I thoug-ht of nature's beauty, 

Beaming' from everywhere, 
As I strolled along- the woodland path, 

Fanned by the evening" air. 
From among- the tang-led branches 

Of the ivy, g-rowing- near, 
Flew the frig-htened turkey. 

And below the fleeing- deer. 
Afar, in pleasant forest, 

I could hear the baying- hound. 
And all the hills it seemed to me 

Would echo back the sound 

But still I wandered aimlessly, 

Shaded by many trees, 
And would watch the little branches sway 

When kissed by the evening- breeze. 
I walked beside a little stream. 

And crossed a mossy bridg-e 
To watch the acorns as they fell 

Upon the surrounding- ridg-e." 
Wishing-ly looking- to heavenward 

As I g-rasped the tender bowers 
Thinking- of nature's noble works 

In those quiet midnig-ht hours. 



38 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I turned me back and wandered home, 

And hastened into my room. 
And sat by an open window, 

To gaze on the lovely moon. 
The old, old, clock upon the hill. 

Within the old stone tower, 
With long" and measured strokes, it tolled 

The dying" midnig"ht hour, 
I lay me down on a warrior's cot 

Amid soldiers brave and true. 
My heart would pause and bound with love. 

Farewell to ninety-two. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 39 

A SAINT'S FIRST DAY IN HEAVEN. 

(composed on the lord's prayer.) 

Our life is short, but we're told before, 

Father waits for us on the g-olden shore, 

Who enters heaven will hear his cries: 
*'Art thou a soul who mourns and dies 

In this g-ate? Come," he will say, 
"Hkavkn is thine, and g-o thy way, 

HaIvIvOWKd be thy name forever more. 

BEyond that strand is the golden shore; 

Thy years were few, I called thee home. 

Name the works that thon hast done. 

Thy sins were great, but thou did'st pray, 

Kingdom had mercy on you that day. 

Come, my servant, follow me; 

Thy home is here for eternity; 

Wiivi. you but listen to the angel's play, 

BEfore my throne they kneel and pray. 

Done, my servant, their story is told, 

On every brow is a crown of gold. 

Earth has no comfort, none is given; 

As you are saved, bring more to heaven. 

It was time to pray, I warned thee true. 

Is there rest on earth? I will list to you." 
"In my soul is harbored the name of God, 

Heaven is my home since they turned the sod. 

Give me that power Thou canst bestow, 



40 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Us angel's will light their path below; 

This life on earth was a wretched one, 

DAYlight vanished with the sun, 

'Our life is hard, I curse my birth,' 

Daily cries the man upon the earth. 

Bread is earned by the sweated brow, 

And they know not Jesus even now; 

Forgive thou wouldst, would they but ask. 

Us sinners in prayer told you our task, 

Our burden was lightened as thou hast said, 

Trespassers planted a heavier tread. 

As sinners, we mourned both day and night, 

We at last were brought into the light. 

Forgive others. Father, as thou didst me. 

Those wings are earned by the bended knee; 

Who waits till the morrow and passes thee by,. 

Trespass thy laws and will surely die. 

Against their neighbor, plans they lay. 

Us angels will ask them all to pray; 

Lead them, Father, into the light. 

Us angels once were dark as night. 

Not a sinner smiles upon the earth, 

Into their own souls they curse their birth. 

Temptation abounds throughout their land, 

But help them, God, with Thy tender hand, 

Deliver them, too, and show Thy light, 

Us angels will crown the God tonight. 

From death I am spared and that cruel wave.. 

Evil men still mourn around my grave; 



^ IvlGHT AND DKATH. 41 

For long", dear Savior, they saw me pray. 

Thine own words last conquered me. 

Is it not the truth, oh! God, I've told? 

The love of Thine last reached my soul; 

Power like mine all can afford, 

And a crown of g"old, oh, blessed Lord. 

Glory be Thine, oh! Father of love. 

For years I've striven for this home above, 

Ever I'll remember when I knelt to pray; 

Amen, oh! Father, for ever and a da3^ 

6 




42 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

ADDRESS TO THE SUN. 

You are mentioned by God as the father of light, 
And hallowed by man for unveiling- the night. 
No darkness dare face thee, the creatures that creep 
Hide, but go boldly when you are asleep. 

The tenderest sprig in the window that's hung. 
Smiles and bows toward thee, oh! glorious sun; 
They learned it from thee, to sleep for the night, 
And pour forth at morn their beauty and light. 

The sprig that bears life, the sturdy oak tree, 
Reaches their arms in honor to thee. 
The clouds are ashamed to stand in your way. 
And leap one another to make room for thy ray. 

You send forth the lilies when you're in command. 
And mark eyery creature's form on the sand; 
You take from the ocean what God will allow. 
And moisten down here the laborer's brow. 

The streams that were chained when the cold winds 

begun, 
Gurgle, I thank thee, I am again bade to run 
Around the maid's limbs, I'll twine a white wreath, 
And leap o'er the rocks and show my white teeth. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 43 

The drunkards and murderers are crowned by thy will; 
You heeded when Joshua bade thee stand still. 
In the Swiss valleys, g-org-es where thy rays cannot fall, 
The wisest are simple and deformities all. 

Few fall before thee saturated with g^rog-. 
They curse thy rays and laboratory of God. 
Thou art bade g-o forth by the Heavenly Father 
Such darkness and light ne'er'l ming-le tog-ether. 
I am writing- in lig-ht near a beautiful tree, 
Where the robin is perched, sing-ing- praises to thee, 
My hand has grown weary other tones have begun, 
With poems and songs, we bless thee, oh! sun. 




44 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

A DESCRIPTION OF PERRY, O. T., AT THE TIME 
OF THE OPENING. 

That hell hole, Perry, can mortal prayers win it? 

That mighty city built up in a minute, 

And nine hundred lawyers are writing- within it, 

All seem wealthy and merry. 
To empty filled pockets is the g^ambler's g-ame, 
All are striving- for an outlaw's name. 
There are five hundred houses, all of ill-fame, 

Their mottoes mean death in Perry. 

The murderer's victims soon find the lag-oons. 
Often g-ore is spilt in well lig-hted rooms, 
The drunkards ride boldly in the saloons. 

And demand a drink without pay. 
Proud women stroll, but only at nig-ht. 
Preferring- darkness rather than lig'ht. 
Loving- the devil and cursing- the rig-ht. 

And abscond throug-h the g-lorious day. 

The tender sex oft are held on the street, 
Robbed of their all, and their frail body beat, 
And oft are mangled from head to feet; 

No one mourns for the dead. 
Scarcely a coffin is lowered to earth, 
Living follow the dead, enraptured in mirth, 
Join in chorus and dance on the turf, 

Tho' the soul to God has scarce fled. 



♦ LIGHT AND DEATH. 45 

One sig-n reads, "Enter the Great Buckhorn, 

Where women parade as naked as when born; 

We g-ive the best liquor when departing- at morn — 

Enter our mighty pavilion. 
Who enters our abode to retire for the night, 
His desire will be granted in darkness or light. 
If he thinks he's been wronged we'll at once make it 
right. 

With our capital exceeding a million." 

In dark slums of hell, sweet music is played. 

By some corrupt being-, that first was betrayed. 

To attract the weak-minded, she is in beauty arrayed. 

The germs of death remain with her. 
Oh! God, of the Universe such patience hast thou, 
The trampling Thy laws so long to allow; 
And sons of good mothers are perishing now, 

As her frail arm bids him come hither. 

The would be protectors are going their way. 
But never are seen in a bloody affray; 
Among the dying are the aged and gray. 

Their life's gore is staining the sand. 
Mighty controversies arise unexpected, 
Males in the lead and females connected. 
Where some little shack is unlawfully erected; 

A plot for blood is at hand. 



46 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Outlaws and bandits are awaiting- their chance 
A abandoned combination to once catch a g-lance, 
Should the cashier enter he would go in a trance, 

Never to be awakened again. 
Vag-abonds ask for a dry piece of bread, 
And mention their wives in Russia as dead. 
Grinds "Home, Sweet Home," and a monkey will beg-. 

He grinds and grinds but in vain. 

Some burl}^ cow-puncher comes reeling- that way. 

Upsets his org-an and sternly will say, 

"We will send you to Russia, and there 3^ou can stay. 

And drive that monk at 3"0ur ease." 
If Russia is your home you had better depart. 
And appeal to the Czar for a lift or a start. 
Another month here you'll be rode in a cart. 

And buried beneath barren trees. 

Now, loving- God, keep Thy patience with thee 

And calm this city as thou didst Galilee. 

Should the sinner perish but few souls would flee, 

To tell the wrath of the Lord. 
Ah! proud inmates, could you but know 
The reveng-e of the Lord, when you trample Him so. 
He'll destroy your city as He did Jericho, 

Cease trampling- His all holy word. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 47 

ANOTHER POCAHONTAS. 

I was accosted one morn by Joseph Lee, 
Of g-iant stature, six foot three, 
This story at once he told to me, 
After passing" the time of day: 
"Do you see that stream? I wandered there 
With my lady, young- and fair. 
With rosy lips and g-olden hair. 

And cheeks like the dawn of day. 

"This happened, sir, three, years ago, 
In that valley far below. 
Where the flowers sway both to and fro; 

I was strolling- towards my home. 
My boat was fastened on the shore, 
Where weeks and months it stood before, 
For no one came to ply the oar. 

And there it rocked alone. 

*'I saw another on the stream. 
Its rippling- oars to me did seem 
Across the wave to send a g-leam; 

I was anxious them to know. 
They steered ashore, to me did call, 
Seven men, I think, in all. 
Giants, too, and six feet tall. 

And bade me with them g-o. 



48 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

"Come with us, ^^oung- man in prime, 
Be prompt, obey, we have no time. 
For we must cross the schooner's line — 

The secret there we'll tell. 
A pistol shone from every belt, 
I had no time to cry for help, 
At the other side their dogfs would yelp; 

They told me all was well. 

"They steered across the river's tide. 
Till we could leap to the other side, 
And with a chain the boat was tied; 

They bade me with them follow. 
I followed on, I knew not where, 
The path was winding* here and there, 
I'd give my life for a sing"le hair. 

They came to a log", 'twas hollow. 

"They all knelt down, the appointed one 
Drew from the hollow log" a gun, 
Gave it to me and said, ' there's fun 

A little way ahead. 
'Tis not a hundred yards,' said he, 
'Before brave warriors you will see. 
The twenty will sleep till eternity. 
They're numbered with the dead 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 49 

^They stole my child three weeks ag-o, 
She is with them now, and well I know, 
For a brother told me so, 

I'll take her home or die.' 
Beyond a fire blazed by a log", 
We saw beyond a well-dressed dog", 
The leader took a dram of g-rog-, 

And cries, 'grim death is nig-h.' 

"We were led direct to their hiding- place. 
They also joined in the chase, 
And cries, "grim death to each pale face, 

The many guns would roar. 
They saw us, stranger, that is true, 
They slay our number all but two, 
We killed but four, and wounded few. 
Had I known my fate before. 

"From the two 'twas spared, one was I, 
Stranger, 'twas not my time to die. 
My giant partner was standing by 

Unarmed as when first born. 
They built a fire around a stake. 
Says I, my friend, death is our fate. 
To scream for help it's now too late, 

We are helpless and forlorn. 

•7 



50 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

"We were seized and bound onto a tree — 
The blaze each side was reaching me, 
Says I, good bye, poor Joseph Lee, 

To me 'tis no surprise. 
My friend would cry like a midnight cat, 
I had no time to think of that, 
Just then, two arms like quads of fat. 

Gently touched mine eyes. 

" 'Twas another Pocahontas came. 
She at once unbound the heated chain. 
For being brave gave me her name; 
Plain Knglish she would quote. 
My partner burned until he died, 
The many tears I could not hide. 
This lady spake quite near my side, 
'I dared not save you both.' 

"I lived some time with this lady, gay. 
Naught to do but hunt and play, 
I arose one morn and crept away; 

Now I, like you, am free. 
May God protect and guard her now. 
And guide no blow to smite her brow. 
Save her from death in her floating scow 
Is the prayer of Joseph Lee." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. |, 51 

A TRAGEDY: FROM GRAVE TO HELL; OR, ST. 
PETER'S LOVE FOR A SOLDIER. 

This day I write of a wretched dream 

That visited me last nig-ht, 
Once my hair was red as fire; 

But now 'tis snowy white. 

Of all the visions ever told, 

Fables or facts as well, 
I know there is none that can compare 

With my trip from earth to hell. 

I dreamed of slumbering- in a trance; 

Friends g-athering- at my bed; 
They placed a mirror o'er my face, 

And finally pronounced me dead. 

Preparations fast were being* made; 
I heard my father say, 
**Go, dig" a g-rave on yonder hill. 

And we'll bury the boy today." 

I was g"rieved, my doom was sealed, 
By this world I was forsook; 

I'd g-iven my four-dollar dog- 
To raised either hand or foot. 



32 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Three hours passed, and all was well, 
The hearse paused at the door; 

I heard my mother faintly say, 
"Our boy, he is no more." 

They took me, then, to an old brick church, 
My doom increased the pain, 

As they bore me forth, the minister said, 
"Though dead, he'll live again." 

Could I awoke and told my tale. 

Or uttered one loud cry; 
I knew that life existed. 

And was praying in mind to die. 

He took his text and warbled on, 

"In God is his protection; 
In him was life, but he must sleep 

Until the resurrection." 

Again I listened, a female spoke, 

"He is slumbering with the free; 

It will only seem a wink of sleep 
From death to eternity." 

I soon was on the road again. 

With bearers by my side; 
I tried to scream, I tried to pray. 

While taking a farewell ride. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 5S 

Kre long" I reached the g-apping* grave, 

In God was all my trust; 
I tried to turn as the minister said, 

"He is g-one from life to dust." 

Six feet of earth soon held me fast, 

My bed was g'rowing hard; 
I prayed to God that I mig-ht sleep 

Till the removal of the yard. 

For seven days I slumbered on, 

The world was dark as nig-ht, 
I heard a trumpet and awoke. 

And behold! I saw a lig-ht. 

I raised both hands in faith to God, 

And heard a mig^hty sound. 
My form was slowly raising", 

Soon I stood upon the ground. 

I then arose, but ag"ainst my will. 

And soon was soaring- hig-h, 
Throug-h one cloud hot, another cold, 

While ascending- towards the sky. 

I passed the clouds, I saw the stars, 

And the halo bright and fair; 
The man in the moon sang out, 

"Where are you bound for. Hair? "^ 



54 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

I dared not utter, nor had I time, 
Mj heart was black with sin; 

Just then a trap door opened wide, 
'Twas I who stumbled in. 

"Where am I now," I cried aloud. 
As the serpents stung- my feet, 

"Bring- forth the light of mercy; boss, 
And show your g-olden seat." 

I saw a red lig-ht burning- hig-h, 

Kach side were horns, one pair, 

I saw, beyond, g-old candle sticks 
Towering- in the air. 

"What next," I heard a voice cry. 
That roared like mig-hty g-uns. 
With, perhaps, but little powder. 
Least every inch were lungs. 

"Who is there?" he quickly uttered, 
"And when did you come in?" 
I uttered "'Tis a soldier bold. 

And my heart is black with sin. 

" I was buried alive, my friend. 

And ascended against my will, 
I belong to the Thirteenth Infantry, 
Stationed at Fort Sill. 



I.IGHT AND DKATH. 55 

" I demand a home in heaven, sir, 
My work was nobly done; 
For, often on your stormy nights, 
I'd walk post number one." 

*' But that is no excuse, sir, 

Your heart is black with sin; 
Just wait, and I'll ask Peter 
If I can let you in. 

*' St. Peter, we have a soldier, 

Will I open wide the g-ate? 
He belong-ed to the Thirteenth Infantry, 
And I think he is too late." 

" Chain him hand and foot, sir. 
And lay him in a cell. 
Go down and fire the furnace. 
Then drop him into hell." 

By Georg-e! I wished me back to earth. 

For helpless I was laying. 
Could I but lived another year, 

'Tis true I'd done some praying. 

I heard the furnace roaring 

Like the ocean's stormy tide. 
It seemed my bands were loosening, 

And I lay in a slide. 



56 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The slide below was growing" hot; 

I cursed my brothers and sire, 
Then in an instant, I saw a light, 

And was thrown into the fire. 

I screamed aloud, but no one came, 
Then cursed in wild dismay; 

I cried out, " Ma," and closed mine eyes. 
To burn that livelong day. 

A hand laid hold my shoulder, 
That touch relieved mv brain. 

Then I heard my bunky sweetly say, 
"You have had nighthorse again." 

" Great Scott! Harry, I thought me dead. 
And astride a red hot donkey." 
Now every man will have my prayers 
That exists without a bunky. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 57 

A DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINE BLUFF. 

I wander o'er hills, I wander o'er valleys, 

And climb great mountains, my path it is rough, 

To picture to all as nature presents it, 

The sights I meet upon Medicine Bluff. 

Over the ledges and far in the canyon, 

A river so gently is flowing along. 
As the water retreats to flow twice o'er each pebble, 

There reaches my ear this beautiful song. 

Over the rocks so long I have traveled, 

Time is unknown, I will linger and play, 

How the children will laugh when I flow through the 
meadow, 
And crawl like a worm to the bed of the bay. 

How the water wheel rolls when I bound upon it. 
And the minnows rejoice that tarry with me, 

I never am tired, though flowing forever, 
Kissing the rocks and ebbing the sea. 

'Tis^the height of my pride, at the hours of midnight, 
When all is quiet but the fluttering bat. 

To leap o'er some rock where the white roots are 
visible, 
And carry with me the gay water rat. 



58 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Above this stream is a rock called ag-es, 

Known to the blues as the pelican's rest; 

Into its side as were it carved by a workman, 

Is a cross, an anchor, and an old eag-le's nest. 

The eag-lets are quiet, thoug-h longing- for something-, 
They look at each other, then upward at me, 

I know they are waiting-, watching- for something-, 
Perhaps for their mother to return from the sea. 

Eg'g's of all sizes are strewn o'er the ledges. 

Seemingly ready, most ready to fall, 
Reminds me of school day's when we would assemble 

To prepare for the morrow at playing- snowball. 

The great rattlers hide in every crevice. 

And hiss at each other in the narrow way, 

When hunger o'ertakes them they crawl o'er the 
mountain, 
And prowl like the lion in search of his prey. 

The wild deer strolls o'er the mountain at evening, 
And often are seen by the moon's pale light. 

The sloth cries aloud in the valley. 

And carries her young at morn's twilight. 

I have told you the sights that to me were presented, 
I will quietly close, for I've written enough. 

And will bid you adieu, as the night falling shadows 
Are hovering around upon Medicine Bluff. 



» LIGHT AND DEATH. 59 

ADVICE TO YOUNG HEROES. 

Stay away from the army, althoug-h you are heroes, 
Till the trumpet sounds carnage with every appeal. 

And the brig-ht sword of liberty glistens in heaven, 
Join your defenders on land or on keel. 

May each of you hasten to the field of battle, 

Like the tigress to jungles where kangaroo run, 

And pause but to strike for those you love dearly. 
And renew the loved freedom your forefathers won. 

When the bright flag of liberty waves o'er our nation, 
The stars become shattered, the red and the blue, 

And the shell-mangled hands leave their print on the 
standard, 
Rally, young heroes, she is flying for you. 

When the notes of the cannons peal from every 
direction. 
And smoke forms the bars where carnage is red. 
The grape shot, the outlines, the blood stains, the 
spaces, 
Keep the banner afloat o'er the heroes that's dead. 

When comrades in gore around you are dying. 

And the Catling's sad roar peals out on the blast. 
And the prayers from their loved ones that moment 
beseeching, 
Oh! don't let them beg for a draught from your 
flask. 



60 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

When bullets like hail around you are flying", 

And long" heated chains cut your broad ranks in 
twain. 
And the bronze on your bayonet is dimmed by the 
bleeding-, 
Salute the proud banner and rally again. 

When your breastworks are rent by the enemy's 
cannons. 
Remember you're fig-hting- 3^our country to save; 
Think of your g-randsires, and strike like the adder, 
The proud banner follows to the depths of the 
grave. 

When you spring- like the panther with bayonets 
forward 
And the foe is advancing- with brig-ht sabres drawn, 
Grim death peals the trump and the wires tell the 
story, 
And the hard-hearted father mourns when you 
are g-one. 

In one shallow trench thousands will slumber; 

Salutes from the cannons will roar o'er the g-rave. 
And you will be mentioned by God's chosen writers; 

As tog-ether you lie with the honored and brave. 

Mothers will mourn and tear their long- tresses. 

She remembers her child once asleep on her breast — 

How he kissed her farewell to join the noble. 
The enemies powder last laid him to rest. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 61 

A SOLDIER'S DREAM OF HEAVEN. 

COMPOSED IN AN OKLAHOMA SAND STORM AFTER AN HOUR'S DREAMING. 

The sun has sunk, the autumn's sky 
Invites twilig"ht, tattoo is nig-h. 
But here I sit and lie in cramps, 
Such is life in soldier camps. 

This afternoon I sweetly slept, 
While clouds of dust around me swept; 
That awful storm, it could not screen 
The pleasures of that happy dream. 

I thoug"ht I had a sister dear, 
And many chide because a tear 
Came from mine eye and trickled down 
And fell quite heavy on the ground. 

Once more they g"azed, once more they chide, 
Because the tears I could not hide; 
Some asked, "What do those g-reat tears mean?" 
My answer was, "I had a dream. 

" I saw in slumber, thoug-h far from true, 
I had a sister fair as you, 
And she, an ang-el, to us came. 
And asked of you her brother's name. 



62 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

" When told, she opened the little tent, 
And on me ang-el eyes were bent; 
I reached to take her hand so fair, 
But only clutched the open air. 

" She told me of her immortal shroud. 
And even a brother was not allowed 
To touch a spirit that was hurled 
To g"ive advice from the other world. 

" But, if I'd leave life for a day, 
Hand in hand we'd soar away. 
She would take me to the Lord's estate. 
And introduce me at the g-ate. 

" I felt my form grow cold as clay. 
And, hand in hand, we soared away. 
With thousands of ang-els, she and me, 
Came to the g-ates of eternity. 

" St. Peter challeng-ed, 'who comes there? ' 
'Ang-els from out the open air. 
We've brought a soldier hard to carry; 
His sister found him down at Perry.' 

" St. Peter cries, 'from whence you come? ' 

As he shouldered an old flint-lock gun. 
' I came from Perry,' I murmured low, 
' Where sand storms will forever blow.' 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 63 

" ' Saj, boss, what calibre is your old g"un? 
When I g-o home I will send you one; 
It will kill a mile, but it's now at Sill' — 
How quick he motioned me keep still. 

" I heard him g"ive his teeth a snap 

When he saw the rifles on my cap; 
' You can not enter here,' said he, 
' You belong" to the Thirteenth Infantry. 

' No man from the Thirteenth reg-ulars 
Has entered here for forty years; 
Unless you chang^e your course of thing's. 
You will never win a pair of wing's.' 

" I turned on heel and looked around, 
Wondering- how I'd reach the g-round; 
A bright idea ran throug-h my mind, 
I grasped the wings, cried, sister bind. 

" Out came Peter with the old flint gun, 
I could not fly nor could I run. 
Before I had more time to think 
He pushed me off the gaping brink. 

" Down I fell like a bullet spent 
And struck astride the little tent. 
I awoke, some startled by my scream. 
But found it only was a dream." 



64 vSONGS OF DARKNESS, 

A CHILD'S FAITH IN GOD. 

The silver moon had scarcely risen 

On the dark and brin}- wave, 
A ship set sail, her lights were g-listening-, 

Beyond they met a water}- g-rave. 

Her sails were set, bright shone her lights; 

The water was calm and smooth. 
The halo marked the sky that night; 

They fast, but gentlj^ moved. 

We stood and watched her flickering lights, ' 

Then turned to go our way 
Saying, "how those souls must rejoice tonight 

With God's hand on the sea." 

While going home we saw a maiden 
Bowed before us on her knees. 

And to us these words she uttered: 
"Did my papa sail the seas?" 

" Who is your father?" my kind friend asked, 

"Old or 3^oung was he?" 
" He trembled, sir, so near his last. 

And gra}- as he can be. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 65 

*' It was a dream that broug-ht me here 
Toda}^ as the clock struck three 
I thought I saw a vessel sink ' 
Beneath the briny sea." 

*' My child, we saw your father 
And others sail the deep; 
But nothing- will them bother, 
The waves so slowly creep. 

*'Hark! Don't you hear the thunder. 
A breeze beg"ins to blow. 
"What is coming", I wonder, 

Yon clouds move to and fro." 

Soon the sky with clouds was covered, 
And the lig-htning- flashed like fire. 

The storm has come with its deathly smother, 
Let us offer to God a prayer. 

We all knelt down tog-ether. 

The child was first to pray; 
She cries to God, "oh! calm the weather 

And bring- my father back to me." 

We hastened back to the bounding- water 
From where they sailed an hour before, 

Here our hearts long-ed and faltered 
As the winds and thunder roar. 



66 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Now the mighty breakers tossing-, 

And the rain comes down in floods; 

Now the whitecaps round are frothing, 
And the billows foam like suds. 

The cruel waves whipped the vessel; 

She kneweth not which way to go. 
Nor could she stand and with them wrestle, 

The keel was thrown both high and low. 

Soon she was driven to the rocky shore. 

The night was awful, how dark, how dark, 
Like mighty cannons the breakers roared. 

And the vessel broke apart. 

The screams and shudders of those inside 
Knowing that hour was their last. 

Like feathers they were thrown in the raging tide; 
The old man fell on a broken mast. 

The work was done, the sky was clearing 

And a light shone in the west; 
And the father he was coming 

Homeward on a broken mast. 

Soon the dawning of the morrow 

Brought to us a glorious day. 
We stood on shore enrapted in sorrow 

For the ship that lost her way. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 67 

We Spied an object on the water 

And knowing- not what it could be; 

Soon outspake his little daughter, 

Saying-, "there he is, coming back to me." 

She brought him back by an answered prayer, 

With faith like that of Job; 
She prayed again as she saw him there, 

Wrapped in a briny robe. 

There all that day God's mercy spread, 
But at night he awakened the sea. 

And from twenty souls that from home had fled. 
Nineteen sank to eternity. 




68 SONGS OFDARKNESS, 

ACROSTICS. 

Dare not the Sabbath da}^ profane; 
Either take the Savior's name in vain. 
Li^ht thy nig-hbor's path of care, 
Lead not one to dark despair. 

Heed God's word before 3'ou die. 

And the truth, oh! don't deny. 

In all temptations do what's rig-ht. 

Remember death comes like a thief at night. 

Evening- is come with its silvery lig"ht, 
Down I kneel to m}' God tonig-ht. 
Winter is here with its chilly blast, 
And oh! that this should be my last. 
Read over each name in your book so fair, 
Dear Savior of love, is my name written there? 

Join me with your band so true. 
Oh, g-ive that body thou callest new. 
Remember, oh! Lord, though living I am dust. 
Direct me to live, love, honor and trust. 
Ever I'll pray that I ma}' be forgiven. 
Number me. Lord, as an inmate of heaven. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 69 

And now, oh! Lord, I come to thee, 
None other to ask, oh! merciful be. 
Depriving' my passions, but know His rig^ht; 
Remember, oh! God, tis my first tonight. 
Early I come and know 'tis best, 
Weeping will find my weary soul rest. 

My prayer, oh! Lord, it is sincere. 

In heaven I know there are crowns to wear. 

Trusting- all in Thy dear hands. 

Caring* for naught in these wicked lands. 

Heaven will welcome all who will 

Enter thou in there are rooms to fill; 

Love of thine to me is given. 

Life is gained, and I see heaven. 

Choosing life forever more. 
Honoring God for the crimson gore, 
Knwreathed with thorns for you and me, 
Staining the cross on Calvary 
Trust him, brother, it wont be long. 
Enter heaven with that Godly throng, 
Read over the list, but I'll be gone. 

How happy this life must be to you. 
Always a hand to lead you through, 
In heaven you'll reap reward b}^ and by. 
Roam not like me, afraid to die. 



70 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Mother I am mourning- for thee today, 
And cry, "why were you called away?" 
Rather had I my soul, my all 
Yielded, instead, to God's death call. 

Thou, alone, dear mother, shielded me 
Here on earth, when all but thee, 
Knrag-ed, would cry, "one fool have we." 

Poverty darkened our humble door. 
On her raven brow was marked two score. 
Entrenched with care, and farther each day 
Turned the timely wheels on her locks of gray; 
Slowly her cheeks g"rew pale to me. 

Mourning*, I sit by this quiet rill, 
On every boug-h I hear a trill. 
Telling- me not to mourn so long-; 
Hope to meet the one that's g-one. 
Ever I'll mourn, pretty birds, soar hig-h. 
Rest your throats, I'll return by and by. 



A DRUNKARD. 

He bloometh at morn, at eve he dies. 
And blushes like the lily at day; 

Seems tossed by the breeze as alone he walks, 
Tasteth death and withereth away. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 71 

BATTLE OF MEDICINE BLUFF. FOUGHT AUG. 26, 

1892. 

Go sharpen all your sabres, boj^s, 

We have but little time; 
The cavalry mount their noble steeds, 

Form infantry in line. 

In haste we'll journey o'er the fields. 

Let your courag-e, lads, be true. 
While the bayonets they are g-listening- 

Beneath the flag- of red and blue. 

The redskins, they are coming". 

Clad in their hairy muifs. 
We shall meet them hand to hand 

Upon Great Medicine Bluifs. 

Let us "double time," my boys. 

With bayonets all ag-low, 
If we must, a narrow trench we'll dig". 

For the human blood to flow. 

We soon will see their lances, 

And the deadly poisoned darts, 
Aimed, with arrow swiftness. 

At our proud and noble hearts. 



72 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Halt! Fire! was the next command, 
As we fell on every hand; 

Then many a painted warrior fell, 
And kissed the lusty sand. 

We foug-ht them there like demons. 
Till blood stained every track. 

The g-reater of their number fell. 
And the rest were driven back. 

The bloody battle's ended, boys. 
And the living-, they have fled; 

We'll dig- a trench upon the bluffs. 
And bury the fallen dead. 

Farewell, farewell, brave soldier boys. 
Your blood was spilt so true. 

Taps are blown, thou art wound tonight 
In the flag- of red and blue. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 73 

BATTLE OF RAINY MOUNTAIN; FOUGHT AUG. 28, 

1893. 

'Twas the twenty-eighth of Aug-ust, 
In eig"hteen and ninety-three, 

Troops were ordered to the front. 
From the Seventh Cavalry. 

Chief Qunor and his Kiowa band 
Were drinking- blood for booze 

Black Horse assisted in the rear, 
With his band of Arapahoes. 

Down they rode from Rainy Mount, 
Five thousand reds were seen. 

To massacre the blue coats, 

Who were few and far between. 

Overpowered twelve to one 

Were the troops of cavalry, 
Capt. Rog-ers ordered to the front 

The remaining- infantry. 

A battalion fast was being- formed 

To conquer every tyrant, 
At "double time" we hastened forth. 

In command of Colonel Bryant. 
10 



74 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

"Assembly" soon was sounded, 

The troops held in the rear, 
To charg"e upon the hostile foe 
Whene'er they came too near. 

Warriors cried like mourning* squaws 
When the firing- first begun, 

We followed the captain's sabre. 
As he whirled it in the sun. 

Our batteries roared like thunder, 
And bullets fell like rain. 

They laid the reds and bluecoats low. 
As a sickle would the g-rain. 

Above was held the stars and stripes, 

And manfully it flew. 
The breeze seemed proud as well as we, 

To toss the red and blue. 

We rallied once around the flag- — 

A volley we let pour. 
And many a hostile redskin fell, 

To wallow in his g-ore. 

Another soon was sounded. 

Their screams now filled the air, 

The squaws would g-aze upon their dead. 
And, in frenzy, tear their hair. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 75 

While I tarry on this earth, 

I ne'er'U forg-et the day; 
The dead, the dying-, red and white, 

In each other's life gore lay. 

At dusk our g-uns were stacked to rest. 

And few were left to tell 
Whose blood had stained the heather most 

Upon this field of hell. 

We broug-ht a shovel and a pick. 

To a rill we cut a drain, 
And the clotted g-ore clung- to the rocks, 

Of the countless number slain. 

Their mang-led bodies soon were laid 

Beneath the blood-stained sod. 
And a prayer was uttered o'er their g-raves 

In their behalf, to God. 

Oh! may their home be heaven. 

And the throne of God be near, 

Methinks they heard these loving- words, 
"Come in, you're welcome here." 



76 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

BEWARE OF WOMEN WITH ROLLING EYES. 

In mountains and caverns 

Proud women dwell, 
To lead mother's bojs 

Throug-h sin, down to hell. 

Like serpents they are spared 

To exist in our land; 
They venture to offer 

A frail powdered hand. 

They're afraid of God's lig-ht, 

And abscond in the day, 
But wander in darkness 

In search of their prey. 

'Tis now their sweet song-s 

Pour forth on the air, 
They tell mother's boys 

No voice can compare. 

Better were their victims 

In the lowest chain g-ang-s, 

Than stung- by these serpents. 
With poisonous fang-s. 



♦ LIGHT AND DEATH. 77 

They know they must die, 

So frail is their stem, 
And would like the whole world 

On an equal with them. 

They are known to all men 

By their proud rolling- eye. 
As too wicked to live, 

And not fit to die. 

They twist and they smile, 

Cry, "sweetheart, come here, 
'Tis long- since I saw you, 

And dry is my g-ear." 

To those proud women, 

Young- men, bid adieu, 
They tarry in darkness. 

Waiting- for you. 

You are young- and weak minded 

And their faces, so fair. 
Will bring- mother's boys 

To their graves or despair. 



78 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

COMPOSED WHILE SERVING A TEN DAY SEN- 
TENCE IN A DARK CELL FOR LOUD AND 
BOISTEROUS SINGING. 

Dark is the nig-ht, not a ray of lig-ht 
Is thrown in the prisoner's cell, 

The hours so long-, the bars so strong-, 
In this dreary vault of hell. 

He calls the hour from the g-uard-house tower. 

The sentry on his post. 
When I hear his feet on the path, long- beat, 

I miss my freedom most. 

I see a lig-ht this stormy nig-ht, 

And a voice mutters, "Hair." 
In this hellish place they watch my face 

As were a murderer sleeping- there. 

The lig-ht has fled, and, like the dead 

That slumber in a tomb, 
Not a sound is heard but some happy bird — 

I sleep in this hellish g-loom. 

Awakened by "halt!" outside my vault, ^ 
"Who Cometh upon my way?" 

An answer came that echoed plain, 
"The officer of the day." 



. LIGHT AND DKATH. 79 

"Advance, sir, this sleet that long- has beat, 
I scarcely can endure; 
Nevertheless, IVe done my best, 
And the prisoner is secure. 

"Ivoad your g"un should the g^iant run, 
And end his intended wrong's; 
Last evening, late, he kept me awake 
With his loud and boisterous sonsrs. 



'to' 



"And if caug*ht by whom he's soug-ht, 
As a hunter would an otter. 
Bind his feet with chains long- beat, 
Then Sfive him bread and water." 



& 



"Thou fool," thinks I, "so unfit to die, 
A disg-race to our nation." 
I scarce can see for the bars of steel, 
How escape this humiliation. 

I bitterly wept, and then I slept. 

Was comforted by sweet dreams. 

Saw home and mother, a loving- brother. 
And rays, as the morning- beams. 

I awoke — how dark, not a lig-ht or spark 

Was shining- in my cell. 
My happy dreams were now such scenes 

No mortal tong-ue can tell. 



80 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I saw men dead before my bed, 
And lig-hted skulls of demons, 

Tarantulas now would sting- my brow— 
Nor had I delirium tremens. 

For help I cried to the one outside; 

No voice reached his ear. 
I lay alone and every bone 

Was benumbed with cold and fear. 

I thought I fell in depths of hell, 
And, helpless, there I lay; 

I awoke aright, 'twas a gleam of light 
From the breaking of the day. 

I prayed for light the next dark night 
To the loving God, above. 

Who heareth all that in faith will call 
The great, great God of love. 




LIGHT AND DKATH. 81 

DRIFTING ON THE DEEP. 

'Twas twilig-ht on the ocean wide, 

A breeze kissed all and smiled, 
And the waves were rocking- g-ently, 

As a mother lulls her child. 

I kindly asked two friends of mine 

With me to take a ride, 
My boat is anchored firmly 

Down yonder on the tide. 

We soon reached the sandy shore, 

Gulls above were flocking-, 
And not a hundred yards from us 

My boat was g-ently rocking-. 

Says Willie, "to hold us three, 

That boat, lads, is too small; 
And what if we should lose our way 

Or be drifted by a squall? " 

*'The boat is lig-ht but strong-, Willie, 

None other can us pass; 
The sides are ribbed with iron, 

And the keel is made of brass." 
11 



82 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

* We were seated in the little boat; 
Kach heart was lig^ht and free, 
And the oars thej dipped with laug"hter 
As they pushed us far at sea. 

The shadow of night hung* o'er the deep, 

And happy were we three 
As we turned about to reach the shore 

Upon the briny sea. 

"We're lost, were lost," young- Willie cries, 
"And the heavens are so black." 
Our boat struck fair a seaward current 
And we we're drifting- back. 

Not a word by one was spoken. 
But the frothing- billows said, 
"Pray to God while you are drifting-. 
One is numbered with the dead." 

Then I heard a mig-hty roaring-, 
And I saw a watery g-rave; 

Young- Willie lost his balance 

And was thrown upon the wave. 

"He's g-one, he's g-one," the other cries, 
"Young- Willie is no more. 
And his mother will be praying- 
Upon the distant shore." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 83 



All nig-ht we ling-ered there alone, 
And often did we weep, 

To think of our companion 
Now tossing- in the deep. 

The morning- dawned with beauty. 
The bright sun kissed the sea; 

We thoug-ht of friends and mother 
Praying- to God for three. 

We reached the shore at mid-day, 
Each print was plainly read, 

The one made by the weaker 

Was numbered with the dead. 

We asked the One in heaven, 
Who doeth all thing's best, 

To bless his lonely mother 

And o-rant to him sweet rest. 




84 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG THE TRIBES. 

From the many different tribes we learn, 
If blessed with the permission, 

Their foolish thoughts, their curious ways; 
Also their superstition. 

The enlightened tribes of prairie lands 
Are the Comanches, Crows and Sioux, 

The most uncivilized tribes are 
The Apaches and Arapahoes. 

Marriag-e among- the different tribes 

Differs but little, if any; 
Their proceedings are, I will sa}^ alike — 

I've witnessed very many. 

Thej^ are married by chiefs when very young; 

Often five or ten; 
When the ceremony is completed 

They take them home again. 

First, they are stood before a light, 
Their chief will bring two rings, 

Place them firm around each neck. 
And bind between with strings. 

Could you hear the questions asked, 

You would titter from head to toe; 

To every thing she answers "yes," 
And he says naught but "no." 



^ I.IGHT AND DE;ATH. 85 

"Will you support him all throug-h life, 
And never think of play, 
Bring- all the meat and water, 
And let him sleep all day? 

"Will you stake the tepee down, 
And, if a horse you lack; 
Will you search the forest old. 

And bring- poles upon your back? 

" And if you think he's sleeping- cold. 
Or chilled his noble breast. 
Will you bring- the poles at once. 
And never stop to rest? 

"You must comply with all requests, 
Althoug-h it costs your life; 
If you will promise this with faith, 
I'll pronounce you man and wife." 

" Oh, yes," the child will answer, 
" Are you sure that is all? 
Then you say that I must answer 
To every little call." 

"If you don't," cries spunky John, 
" I tell you there'll be war; 
If it did not better me. 

What would I marry for? " 



86 



SONGS OF DARKNESS, 



The}' are now cut loose to g-o their wa}^ 
Alone, throug-h trials and fears; 

Unless death o'ertakes them on their path, 
They'll rejoin ag-ain in ^^ears. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 87 

FOR SOME ONE TO READ. 

I know a fair lady she dwells in your town, 
Her cheeks are like roses, her hair forms a crown, 
Her features are perfect as the white lily leaves. 
And her voice is tender as the g-entlest breeze. 

I dwelt with this lady many seasons ago. 
From the path she trod I would clear out the snow, 
Wh^n she reads these verses, she'll know where I mean, 
And remember the house with the shutters of g-reen. 

I know she's forgotten the happy chore boy 
Who cared for the lambs while singing in joy; 
My heart for this lady oftimes would burn 
As I entered the schoolroom, my lessons to learn. 

This lady I loved and do to this day; 
Her raven brow smiled at the sun's brightest ray. 
Nor will I forget when she told me take warning, 
I expressed my thoughts at the fireside one morning. 

I tarried in silence, her friend told a part. 
Those words from this lady ever wounded my heart. 
While reading these verses, I pray thee take heed. 
They were written especially for some one to read. 



88 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

HIS PITIFUL STORY. 

I saw a little urchin, 

Not many months ag-o, 

Standing- on a corner, 

Where the chilly winds did blow. 

His golden locks were frosted. 
The dimple on his cheek 

Blushed with shame and sadness, 
As he beg-g-ed a bite to eat. 

"Oh! grant," said the little one, 
" Do not pass me by, 
I know 3^our heart is tender 

By the tear that dims the eye." 

" There's none, my little fellow. 
More tenderer than I, 
I am only lending- to the Ivord, 
And never pass one by." 

" You're the one I was to find, 

God said I'd find him there. 
My steps were g-uided hither, 

He answered my last prayer.'* 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 89 

IN MIND I AM A CHILD TONIGHT. 

Years passeth b}^ m}^ joints grow strong-, 

And loved ones from earth have took fligfht, 

I am numbered a man in my coarse coat of blue, 
But in mind I'm a child tonig-ht. 

Like the eag-le, disturbed by an unstead}^ aim, 
My playmates are banished from sig-ht, 

Could I hear their sweet laug-h, 'twould cheer me ag-ain, 
For in mind I'm a child tonig-ht. 

How weary my path since to manhood I've g-rown, 
No mother to bid me g-o rig-ht, * 

In a twinkling- I'm chang-ed from heartless to mourn, 
For in mind I'm a child tonisfht. 



■•& 



Could I run throug-h the fields of clover, so g-reen. 
And cling- to the cord of my kite. 

Then motion to brother to toss it ag-ain — 
For in mind I'm a child tonisrht. 



■^o 



Oh! had I the cord firm in my g-rasp 

That in boyhood has drove him to frig-ht, 

I would let loose the rope and send him down hill, 
For in mind I'm a child tonig-ht. 



12 



90 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Oh! were I eng-ag-ed in our contests now, 

I would cry to father for spite, 
And bleed my hands, cry, " Chet done that." 

For in niind I'm a child tonight. 

By fetters of death and earth they are held. 
The God has spared me to write, 

Oft my songs are tuned by the cannon's sad roar, 
But in mind I'm a child tonight. 




* I.IGHT AND DEATH. 91 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF A CHILD, DAVID ROBINSON. 

I should have written this years ag-o, 

But knew not how to, then, 
This day has fled, the nig-ht is come, 

I grasp my weary pen. 

My thoug-hts wander out like a dream 
To the child, once young- and brave, 

The tender hand that mine has held 
Now moulders in the g-rave. 

He left his home one summer's morn 

With children g-ay, to swim, 
Thoug-h many trials the lad had borne. 

Now death awaited him. 

Some angel waited on the shore, 

God's message there to tell; 
The child was hastening to that place 

To answer, "all is well." 

Soon the lad was called to death. 

But he, who knew no fear, 
Smiled and answered to his name 

With, "Father, I am here." 

The message found his mother's heart, 

And crape outside would sway. 
Soon the boy was laid in his narrow bed. 

And the mother knelt to pray. 



92 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

And ever will I bear in mind, 
While seasons come and go, 

The smile that read, "I died in peace," 
In his casket, white as snow. 

Slumber on. Oh! how lonely 
Seems the living- here today, 

A mother's darling- sweetly slumbers 
In his tomb beneath the clay. 

Thou shalt ever be remembered, 

While the storms of life blow past. 

When cold death ends this earthly journey. 
We may meet you there at last. 




I.IGHT AND DKATH. 93 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF HER LAST, DON'T FORGET 
ME WHEN I AM GONE, NORA WHEELER. 

On this pag-e is closely written, 

And when those weeping- eyes you cast 
To read the last of her that's smitten, 

Think of where we laid her last. 
Cruel death, you found her waiting- 

To touch and spring- thy hidden snare. 
Here we mourn and scarce remember. 

She has passed all earthly care. 

On yonder hillside she is slumb'ring-. 

Flowers mark her resting* place, 
'Twas there her friends and dear relations 

Saw the last of Nora's face. 
Years will come and g-o, but never 

Will we see our child again, 
Oft we murmur "'twas for the better, 

She has passed all earthly pain." 

Up in heaven, far in heaven, 

She is waiting- for to come 
Friends to meet her in the future. 

She will g-ladly welcome home. 
I know her soul is bleesed by Jesus, 

And others lull our child to rest; 
God smiles and she takes her slumber — 

Our Nora dwelleth with the blessed. 



94 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I AM MOURNING FOR MOTHER, STRANGER. 



FIRST VOICE. 



*'What art thou doing-, pretty maid, 
Upon this lonely shore? 
Are you fond of the albatross. 
And the billows mighty roar? 

"And do you love to stroll, my child, 
Where no one takes thy hand, 
The path is old, and naug-ht I see. 
But a child's print in the sand? 

"Tell me, child, why tarry here — 
Who left thee here alone? 
Perhaps the child of a fisherman, 

And lost thy way towards home. 

"Or, do you love the mig*hty deep. 
Its breezes cool and free. 
Were you once led by a tender hand 
Now cold beneath the sea? 

"Tell me, child, why tarry here, 
Thou never needst to fear, 
But you must know a sad, sad tale, 
In answer for the tear." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 95 



SECOND VOICE. 



^'I am g"athering" pretty shells, said she, 
That wash upon the shore. 
The long-, long* days are passed 
Much quicker than before. 

*'Once I loved the forest g-reen, 
The warbling- of the birds, 
I'd pluck the flowers from off each mound 
And watch the g-razing- herds. 

*'Ah! sad chang-es came at last, 
For now, I long- to see 
The white ^ulls flying- o'er. 

And the working- of the sea. 

^'I've a bitter tale of woe to tell; 
My heart, it aches with pain, 
Often g-reat tears flow, sir. 

And print the sand like rain. 

*'I walked this shore not long- ag-o. 
Another marked the sand, 
'Twas the footprint of a mother. 
And she led me by the hand." 



96 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 



FIRST VOICE. 



"What! a mother, child, not long* ag-o 
Led you by the deep? 
Now thou art wandering* here alone — 
No wonder, child, you weep. 

"Ah! I've learned your mother's dead, 
And thou art left alone, 
She surely has filled a watery g-rave. 
And left her child no home. 

' ' Tell me all about her fate, 

The happy days that's fled; 
And is your father living", 

Or numbered with the dead? 

"Why watch so mournfully the sand. 
When the billow heave and roar? 
Do you think your mother, dear. 
Will wash upon the shore? 

"I'll listen your reply, my child. 
Then leave you by the sea; 
Thoug"h I've a home that's blessed by God, 
Thou art welcome there with me. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 97 



SECOND VOICE. 



''Before you g-o, I'll tell my tale, 
'Tis sad, but ah! how true; 
My father and mother slumber 
Not many leag-ues from you. 

"My father was a fisherman 

And feared no stormy tide; 
He rowed his skiff with pleasure. 
With mother at his side. 

"One morn a billow opened, 

That only seemed to creep. 
But closed ag-ain like lion's jaws. 
And sank them in the deep. 

"There is no rest since mother died; 

Kind strang-er, pass me by. 
"My days are numbered here below. 
For soon I'll pray and die." 

13 



98 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF LUTHER HARMON, OF 
ADVfNTIST FAITH, AS TOLD BY THE 
WEEPING WILLOW. 

An ang-el's g-old trump has pealed a loud carnag-e, 
And called home to Father a loved one he g"ave, 

He took from our midst one son and brother, 

To slumber alone in the depths of the grave. 

Cruel death, thou has brought him asunder. 

Cold is the bed you have made for his rest; 

But the world and its cares are unknown to Luther, 
Why mourn for him, parents, God loved him 
best. 

The barren twigs sigh and sad eyes are weeping. 
And the hard beaten path cries for Luther today, 
*'He is gone," cries the willow, death o'ertook him, 
I am planted, as ever, to mourn for his prej^. 

*' You ask, 'why take your one son and brother?' 
At the voice of God, his sad work begins; 
But I, the willow, heard him repeating, 

' I welcome Thee, Savior, thou hast pardoned my 



*' Once more he spake to grim death approaching, 

' Be there any unforgiven? m}^ Jesus, forgive.' 
' He that believeth on me,' said the Savior, 
' Though he be dead, yet shall he live.' 



I.IGHT AND DEATH. 99 

*' Beneath my boug-hs he takes a short slumber, 

Firm is the earth but he shall hear the sound 
Of the ang-el's g'old trump, calling- him hither. 

When he answers, ' I fall to the undisturbed 
ground.' 

*' I am mourning- today for God's child that's sleeping-, 
At an ang-el's sweet whisper, was quickly enticed; 
Now he is sleeping-, sweetly he's sleeping-. 
Only to awake at the coming- of Christ. 

^' Mourn not for Luther, parents and sisters, 

Thou he be dead, and you hear him no more. 
The tomb and its fetters shall be rent asunder 

Triumphantly he'll stand on the g-lorious shore." 




100 SONGS OFDARKNESS, 

I WILL GIVE THE MULE TO FATHER. 

My father owned an old gray horse, 
He would do most anything-, 

Stand up, lie down or mount a keg", 
And g"o double throug"h a ring". 

One day, my father went away, 
I made a mammoth stool, 

When Johnnie would not mount it, 
I g"ave him for a mule. 

Then mother spake, "you foolish thing, 
To us you're expense and bother." 

Said I, "Mother, do not weep, 

I will g-ive the mule to father. 

"The owner says he never kicks, 
And seldom is he lame. 
Will work at any spot or place. 
And Brigham is his name." 

His feet were oblong-, round, and square, 
One could find him by his track. 

His sides looked like a washboard 
With saw teeth in his back. 



♦ LIGHT AND DEATH. 101 

His tail was short, one eye was g"one, 

Both ears inclined to lop; 
He would heave just like the bellows 

In father's blacksmith shop. 

I left him standing- at his ease 

And started toward the hay, 
On returning- he backed against the wall 

And braced all feet to bray. 

His voice, being- so very weak, 

I could scarce describe a note; 
On examining- the mule much closer, found 

A tumor in his throat. 

Father came about midnig-ht. 

Not thinking- any harm, 
And knowing every nook and corner. 

Went lightless to the barn. 

This being- the mule's first sig-ht of pa. 

And preferring- an introduction. 
Sent him sprawling- in the air 

Like a volcanic eruption. 

I awoke, but pa had g-one, 

A great hole rent the roof. 
Streaks of fire, like comets' tails. 

Showed the prints of Brigham's hoof. 



102 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

I saw my father when he fell 
Across a mammoth stick, 

He uttered one loud cr}^, then said, 
"What made our Johnnie sick?" 

"I cannot tell you, father. 

He seemed to eat his hay; 
I think you surprised your Johnnie, 
Being- g-one from home all day." 

My father never uttered more, 
Nor lived to see the token; 

But said, " g-ood bye, my honest boy," 
When every bone was broken. 

Since father's dead and in his grave, 

I've made this a rule; 
When Brig-ham's days are numbered 

Never to own another mule. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 103 

JUST THE SAME AS EVER. 

I am seated today on a lonely shore. 

Green sprig-s around are g-rowing-, 
The happy squirrel assists her young", 

And the maple her seed is sowing", 
Pale are the leaves that o'er me swing". 

The frost their stems will sever. 
The river g"lides on to the sea. 

Just the same as ever. 

The beautiful vine is twined to rest. 

It fears the stormy weather — 
Has taken in sail, but holds its fruit 

For a maiden's hand to g"ather. 
Here wheels of time make little chang"e, 

With God's hand at the lever. 
He takes but bring"s their beauty back, 

Just the same as ever. 

Not so with mortals on this earth, 

The loved by us embraced 
Too late, for we have seen a smile 

That n'er can be replaced. 
Thus we wait below, to die 

And cross that gloomy river. 
'Tis there I know my Jennie '11 stand 

Just the same as ever. 



104 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I fear no death, for God is love, 

But left me here to tarry. 
In my brain a burden's cast. 

All that I can carry; 
I see in dreams the one I loved — 

Forg-et her? No, I'll never — 
M}^ manhood tears come forth today 

Just the same as ever. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 105 

LOVED BUT LOST. 

The g-olden sun was setting-, 

On a pleasant eve in May 
O'er the wild prairie, 

At the close of one sad day. 
As the last rays quickly vanished 

In a distant plot of wood, 
We could see upon the battle field 

A lonely soldier stood. 

Pondering- in meditation 

On some subject that was rare, 
He did not seem to notice 

That we were in miles out there, 
He was leaning- on his rifle. 

His belt around him hung, 
And o'er his manly shoulder 

A haversack was swung-. 

In stature, he was slender; 

Complection, he was fair; 
His blue eyes fixed on vacancy, 

At which he now did stare; 
At last his speech commanded, 

And quickly fell the tears; 
"My only son is murdered, 

Whom I've watched over for years." 

14 



106 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

LIFE COMPARED TO A BILLOW. 

God g-iveth life and streng-th from heaven, 
And with both true sorrow g-ave; 

This life is but a frothing- billow, 

From the womb down to the grave. 

Burdened wing-s of care fly o'er us. 

Protected from the storms on shore, 

Remains the embrj^o but awakens 

Like the wave, by the boatman's oar. 

The winds chang^e, another mortal 
Beg-ins at morn a life's career; 

By g-entle breezes, both are living-, 
May either fall to right or rear. 

One reaches boyhood, oh! how slowly. 
Trouble shrieks, he lies below; 

He is only dreaming of the morrow. 

Is ruled by hands swayed to and fro. 

Another, and he forward dashes, 

Gaining strength from every side, 

Leaving boyhood, reaching manhood, 
Now he's bounding with the tide. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 107 

In prime of life, storms are rag-itig-; 

He tries to halt but g-lideth on, 
He cries aloud, "life fast is fleeting-;" 

With both the creeping- days are gone. 

Now they're sweeping mighty billows 

O'er the broad and raging main, ' 

One shall carry boats to harbor, 

One will strive the world to gain. 

Now the storms of life are shrieking. 
Higher, higher, is hurled the spray, 

Bound for shore to wait the morrow; 
Soon the old man's hair is gray. 

The voices of both grow weaker, 

Louder billows drown their roar, 
To their resting place they're driven, 

One to grave and one to shore. 

The wave is dead, a soul is dying. 

Both are numbered as deceased. 
One the mighty storms awakens. 

And one when Christ comes in the east. 



108 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

MY AMBITION WHEN A BOY. 

One summer's day, when a lad at home, 
My father said to me, 
" Let us g'o forth and plow, my boy. 

While the breeze is cool and free." 

Who could ask for g-entler words 
Than father had just spoken? 

Who could mention a nobler task? 
But still my heart was broken. 

To think of labor in the distant field. 

And two gates that spanned the lane, 

I would tremble like an aspen leaf. 
And curse this mortal name. 

The team was hitched to the oaken beam, 
The whip swung- to and fro, 

I g-rew sick at thoug-hts of it, 
But knew 'twas best to g'o. 

The g-rass that wavered o'er the field, 

And flowers, one by one. 
Were buried, all in depths alike. 

No more to view the sun. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 109 

Once more the black earth kissed the breeze, 

And father, he would say, 
It rejoices my heart to till the soil 

And labor day by day." 

Weeks passed by, and father said, 

" I will finish on the morrow, 
Then will labor in yonder field 

And leave you here to harrow." 

The morning- came, I started forth 

My heart bore down like lead, 
To think of laboring- there all day — 

I wished that I were dead. 

At length I reached the dismal field 

And labor was begun, 
Methinks I worked ten minutes 

Before g-azing at the sun. 

I, like many other boys, 

Had but little sense, 
I drove the team once round the field 

And hitched them to the fence. 

In the shade my noble form 

Lay prostrate on the ground, 
To watch the hills for father's head^ 

And dinner bells to sound. 



110 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

I turned by pockets inside out 

To find a cake of soap, 
That I so long- had carried, 

When about to take a mope. 

Proud was I to find the cake, 

My brain work now was done, 

The shade was fully a rod away, 
So I lay me in the sun. 

I slowly crept beneath the tree, 
And closed mine eyes of blue; 

Not many boys were there like me, 
So faithful, g"ood, and true. 

My courag-e increased, I fell asleep; 

Soon awoke, to my surprise 
The sun, now beaming- in the west, 

Had scorched my face and eyes. 

Once more I viewed the hills with care, 
And there beheld m}^ father, 

I dipped my soap into the ditch, 

And covered the team with lather. 

" Get out of this," was m}^ loud cry, 
I used the whip quite free. 
The team was stiff and scarce could walk, 
And jointless seemed poor me. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. HI 

Soon I heard my father yell, 
" My boy, 'tis afternoon." 
*' Yes, and I have done my task. 

And will be there very soon." 

" That's my boy," I heard him say, 
And plain it reached my ear. 
My heart was beating- in my throat, 
For fear that he'd come near. 

I unhitched the team and started home. 
Met father on the way; 
" Don't work the team so hard, my boy, 
The}^ are very lank today." 

" I know they are, but thoug-ht like this: 
That I had just beg-un, 
And marked at first a task to do. 
You know it mu^t be done." 

" Well, you are my noble boy, 

I feel that you've done rig-ht, 
Just hitch the team into the barn 
And sleep from now till nig-ht." 

How quick I moved at that command, 

I slept till day had fled; 
At morn I left, I feared his arm, 

And know not what he said. 



112 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

MY AFFLICTIONS THROUGH LIFE. 

I will tell you all diseases 

That's visited me throug-li life, 

From the time I first drank saffron, 
Till I took my seventh v^ife. 

I first was born an invalid. 
As crooked as a vine. 

But slowly I have straig-htened out, 
Training- me in time. 

I now will tell my story. 

You'll wonder I'm not dead. 

For I've been sore afflicted 
From feet unto my head. 

First intoeing" grow nails, 
The worst you ever saw. 

Next granulated eyelids. 
Deafness and lock-jaw. 

And I have had sprained ankles. 

Diphtheria and gout. 
Been crippled with rheumatism 

Till I scarce could get about. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 113 

At King-ans I lost three fing-ers 
While working- with a cleaver, 

And once was nearly skinned alive. 
After having- scarlet fever. 

Cramps are very numerous now, 

Especially in my knees, 
I can always tell what's coming-, 

A simoon, hail or breeze. 

I, too, have had chest trouble, 

Oft my heart would cease to beat. 

If, being- then in company, 

I would tremble hands and feet. 

I have had catarrh and asthma, 

And dreamed of being- dead, 
I've also felt from heaven 

Wrath pouring- on my head. 

Karache I've not forg-otten, 

Big--head, too, as well, 
I oft imag-ine serpents 

Are crawling- in my cell. 

From lumbag-o and sciatica, 

Oh! could I once be free; 
If a martyr to St. Vitus' dance 

You know how to pity me. 

IS 



114 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Bronchitis and neuralg"ia, 

Accompanied by toothache, 

Nearly sets me crazy, 

When the agfue makes me shake. 

Corns, warts and bunions 

Upon my joints ^row. 
Gum boils and salt-rheum 

Fills my soul with woe. 

And, reader, I've had home troubles 
That deserve no little attention. 

Aches and pains in regions wide, 
Too numerous to mention. 

Of late my limbs are wasting", 

Now slim as any crane; 
I often feel quite loon}^, 

With that tumor on m}^ brain. 

Of late I'm g-rowing- blind, 

Now scarce nowhere to g"o; 

So much was held in store for me. 
My hair is white as snow. 

Now, if you ever find my grave, 

I pray thee shed a tear. 
And tell your friends who know me not, 

A sufferer is sleeping- here. 



, LIGHT AND DEATH. 115 

I have not told half my troubles, 

Thoug-h life is just beg-un, 
By my seven wives I'm haunted, 

And am scarcely twenty-one. 




116 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

MT. ETNA AS DESCRIBED BY A SHEPHERD.. 

The g-iatit Mount Etna, of Sicily, is belching-. 

Heaving" her ashes as never before, 
Like an army in action her craters are roaring, 

And down her broad sides the lava doth pour, 

It pauses to boil like a great swelling river. 

Then seemingly pours in a bottom-less well, 

Like the falls of Niagara it roars amid thunder. 

And no eye has witnessed this g-reat pit of hell. 

Now she is quiet, like the lion that's sleeping, 

Though far in her bowels is heaping corruption, 

As heartless as the tiger that hides until evening, 
Is only preparing for another eruption. 

Then a rumbling is heard like the wheels of a chariot, 
As were its steeds frightened on China's great wall. 

And louder and louder like the rushing of water, 
Descendinsf from heaven on some mountain tall. 



'fe 



An outburst is heard that jars the whole island. 

Like a volley of shells that together take flight. 

And loaded with meteors ascending towards heaven — 
The island of darkness is now turned to light. 



^ LIGHT AND DEATH. 117 

'The heavens are lig-hted like the feast of Belshazzar, 
Once black as crepe, again white as wool, 

The craters will shriek like a whale that is wounded, 
Or swam too far in Newfoundland's pool. 

She ag-ain is quiet, like the lamb that is sleeping-. 
Will awake like the lion aroused by its prey. 

And roar like the voice of God amid water. 

And pour out her lava at the closing of day. 

The shepherd is dead that told me this story. 
His smiles, how plainly I see them today, 

Methinks he stands as once, and describing 
The two great eruptions of volcano Etna. 




118 SONGS OF DARKNKvSS, 

MICHAEL AND PAT. 

One Michael and Pat, . so I've heard say, 
Just landed safe in America. 

Mike said, "Pat, do you know we are free? 

Let us walk around, there is sig*hts here to see." 

First, they spied a small boat on a swift running- 
stream, 
Said Pat, "that's a coffin, for its minus of steam." 

And he picked up the oars, hewed down so neat, 
" Don't you see, Mike, foot boards for their feet?" 

Mike looked at the boat, then at the tide, 
" Let us show the people that live men can ride. 

" I know it's a coffin it's constructed so low; 
Shove it off, Pat, and away we will g^o." 

"Perhaps," said Pat, "we can g-et a lord's daug-hter, 
When they see the coffin glide over the water." 

They shoved off the boat, roaring- with laug-hter. 
And down it went a mile a minute or faster. 

" Stop it," cried Mike, "we're g"oing- too fast, 
I see nothing- beyond but what we're soon past." 



^ LIGHT AND DEATH. 119 

Then he cried aloud when he came to his senses, 
" They send them in this way to save burial expenses.'* 

" I will shove in my feet to a certain deg-ree, 
And you see, Mike, if the boat runs as free. 

" How is that," cried Pat, "do you think all is well?" 
"And sure," cried Mike, "how can I tell?" 

" There's a snag", Pat, pull your feet out !" 
He was too slow and his trousers too stout. 

And there he hung-, as thoug-h by a knot. 

He tried to say something, Mike could not tell what. 

He spake to himself, his hopes were much brig^hter, 
" No loss without g-ain, the coffin is lighter." 

Soon the boat sprung a leak, for help he did shout. 
Says he, "you are sweating-, I will let you all out." 

Down throug-h the bottom another hole went. 
He knifed in another to g-ive the first vent. 

His chance for life was now very slim, 

He rolled up his trousers and stood on the rim. 

Says Mike, " I am dying, my hands how they quiver. 
My heart has stopped beating- and so has my liver.'* 



120 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The boat struck a rock being- in the wrong- track, 
And the shore caug-ht Mike on the broad of his back. 

Soon he revived and arose to his feet. 

Saying-, " death in America is the first thing- to meet. 

*' Poor Pat is dead, I am living-, but where? 
Now listen, oh! Lord, while I offer a prayer." 

He moved on slowly with the gentlest breeze. 
When he saw dead Patrick he fell on his knees. 

He winked both eyes and dampened his tong-ue, 
And then his prayer was g-ently begun. 

*' This is the first time my prayer ever sounded. 
Nor never before was m}^ partner drowned. 

*' Oh! Lord, you may think this prayer might}^ slim. 
It's especially intended for the one on the limb. 

*' Of course you'll excuse me the first time I pray. 
It has gone and. Lord, will you answer today?" 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 121 

MY MICHIGAN. 

My Michig-an, thy g-lories shine, 
Many tales are told that sound divine, 
Thou art my home, I call thee mine. 
My Michig-an. 

Thou art the mother of g-reat men, 
Some wield the sword others steer the pen, 
They leave thee, but return again. 
My Michig-an. 

The g-reat lakes wash thy fertile soil, 
'Tis true, your Cleveland men are loyal. 
And for the rig-ht they sorely toil. 
My Michig-an. 

Your g-reat pine sways both to and fro, 
Tho' loaded with the crystal snow, 
And the happy deer he roams below. 
My Michigan. 

When the spring- is come the frog's will peep, 
And o'er the fields the warm winds sweep, 
'Tis then the farmer prepares to reap. 
My Michigan. 



16 



122 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Thy paths are worn by the maiden's tread, 
Their cheeks will blush like rubies red. 
It seems all earthly care is fled, 
My Michig-an. 

None need perish for food or fire, 
A man is worthy of his hire, 
The vilest drunkard th}- laws admire, 
My Michigan. 

The smelter's on Superior's shore. 
Are melting- tons of copper ore, 
And millions of bars are kept in store, 
My Michig-an. 

You have made my home a glorious sight, 
Your vale of progress shineth bright. 
Others appeal to thee for laws and right. 
My Michigan. 



• I^IGHT AND DEATH. 123 

NOBODY MOURNS WHEN A SOLDIER DIES. 

Nobody weeps, nobody cries, 
Nobody mourns when a soldier dies. 

Only these words from a comrade said, 
" The brave boy is numbered with the dead." 

We all must g-o, early or late. 

It matters not how me meet our fate. 

Once more it is said, then forever passed by, 
" All that's expected of a soldier is to die." 

After a battle, for fear of the stench, 
All of the fallen are laid in one trench. 

Not one thinks of heaven while heaving- the sod. 
Not a word is read from the scriptures of God. 

They left home and mother to battle alone, 
For the numberless fallen not even a stone. 

So judge for yourself, as time passes by, 
" All that's expected of a soldier's to die. 

Perhaps there's a mother, whose tears do flow. 
And dampen the path she trods here below. 

She thinks of her boy, once free as the wave. 
Whose heart is cold in an unknown g-rave. 



124 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

ODE TO THE FLAG. 

The stars and the stripes 

Giveth peace to our souls, 

I am longing' to taste 

The breeze from its folds. 

The wild storm retreats 

For it loves to toss thee. 

On each star and each stripe 
It reads, " liberty." 

Thou hast soldiers that's living", 

All waiting- to die. 
They would brace your fair standard 

Till the stars could not fly. 

Few nations are waiting" 
That standard to sever. 

Today thou art floating- 
More proudly than ever. 

She loves that peace 

That freedom has won. 

For us she would conquer 
As for Washington. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 125 

They fear thee, as of old, 

For, a long- time ag-o. 
When but thirteen stars shone. 

You filled Eng-land with woe. 

In g-enerations that's g-one, 

When Georg-e wore the crown, 

And sent here his army 
To trample thee down. 

Georg-e Washing-ton held thee. 

And said, " we'll be free." 
You conquered, victorious," 

In seventeen eig-hty-three. 

Then Kng-land, disappointed, 

Withdrew her weak men. 
But in eig-hteen and twelve 

They tried you ag-ain. 

Once more you won nobly, 

No more will they try 
To rend thee asunder. 

While forty stars ^y. 



126 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

ODE TO DEATH. 

Cruel death, where art thy charms, 
Your tales are in sculptures borne, 

Men mention thee as reward for sin, 
You've made the millions mourn. 

Few have welcomed thee, oh! death, 
And none has bade thee come. 

You've destroyed families, made great tombs. 
Left tearless eyes in none. 

You fly on wing's that never tire. 

And pause at every door, 
Sting thy victims with a touch, 

Then to his neighbor's soar. 

You call them all, though hid from view. 
Their wealth can hinder naught, 

The rich and poor must go alike, 
Thy mercy is never bought. 

I've told you all, oh! cruel death. 

You the rich man's plans unfold. 

Sons and mothers plead in vain, 
For thy mercy on their souls. 



UGHT AND DEATH. 127 

PURSUIT AND CAPTURE OF BENAVIDIES, THE 
NOTORIOUS OUTLAW. 

On the border of old Mexico, 

They trailed them through the sand, 

The notorious Benavidies 

And his treacherous, merciless band. 

Darkness came with fearful storms, 
Their feet now ceased their tread. 

They supposed the band of 'outlaws were 
Five hundred miles ahead. 

The bug-le sounded "take thy rest," 

Their horses were in herd, 
Like a child on its mother's breast 

Slept I, troop of the third. 

Scarcely had they dreamed of home. 

When their scouts, both ag-ed and gray, 

Cried out among the slumbering men, 
"They are but one mile away." 

In midst of chaparral they sleep, 

Like an infant that's new-born. 
The sentry, too, is slumbering. 

And would not wake till morn. 



128 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The message reached the captain's ear, 
Men awoke from everywhere, 

The silver bug-le soon was grasped, 

"Boots and saddles" filled the air. 

Between the notes of Maner's trump, 
The captain cries, "all's well," 

And, like a driven fire, they fied 
Through the thorny chapparal. 

The crushing of the brush below. 
The commands so firmly spoke; 

The sleeping sentinel at his post 
O'erheard them and awoke. 

He then aroused his heartless band, 
They dared do nothing more 

Than abscond again in the old dugout. 
And firmly bolt the door. 

To their hiding place they rode, 

"Dismount," the bugle sounded, 

And like red ants with a wingless fly, 
The dugout was surrounded. 

" Open the door," cried Captain West, 

"Or we'll burn it o'er your head." 
Sir John Owllett stood near 

To interpret what they said. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 129 

*' We are not g-uilty," the bandit cried, 
"We stopped here for the nig-ht; 
Our steeds are tired, a man is dead. 
We're waiting" the precious lig-ht." 

" Come this way," the captain cried, 

"Or you're numbered with the dead." 
Slowly he confronted them. 
With pistol at his head. 

" You're Benavidies," the captain cried, 
"At the blasting- of the horn 
You shall be shot until you die. 
And that at early morn." 

" Spare me, spare me," the bandit cried, 
"I love neither blood nor war. 
My name is Benavidies, 

But it's brother you're looking- for." 

They lig-hted a match, his g-uilty eye 

Poured forth a bitter tear. 
And like a coward he cried out 

"My band is not all here." 

" Tell me then," the captain cried, 

" If absconded, where the}- lay. 
Dare not refuse to g-rant it, sir. 
Or you shall not live till day." 

17 



130 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

He, trembling like a tiny sprig, 
Told everything he knew. 

And going on as they were bade 
Found every statement true. 

Soon they took their belts and arms, 
With peace each soul was blessed; 

Then taking them to Rio Grande, 
Confined them with the rest. 

They were tried for theft and murder. 
And one-fifth of a century 

Have they to labor every day 

In the merciless penitentiary. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 131 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE APACHES BEFORE THEIR 

DECEASED. 

When a redskin dies, of either sex, 

The tribe will gather round, 
And the staunchest heart will pause with fear. 

As they list the mournful sound. 

The dead at once are bathed in wine 

And thrown upon their breast, 
The medicine man will stroke his head 

And murmer, " take thy rest." 

They now are hurled upon their knees. 

In the air is swung- a lance, 
They build a fire around the dead 

And calmly sing- and dance. 

Next they halt upon a line. 

The chief his works will tell. 
He takes the mucous from every mouth, 

When examined, says, "all's well." 

The bucks are stilled, the squaws still chant. 

And hold a well shaped stone. 
Scream and apply it to their lance. 

And carve them to the bone. 



132 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The dead are bound upon a board, 

A scaffold is erected there, 
The chief will order them bound on hig-h, 

To breathe the morning- air. 

A rifle is also buried low. 

Provisions, too, are found, 
A sufficiency for seven days. 

Till they reach the hunting--g-round. 

Next they g-ather every thing- 

In possession of the dead. 
Worthless or g-old, it matters not, 

In flames it soon has fled. 

His steed is shot and buried low, 
'Tis believed for him to ride. 

The seventh day the corpse is lowered 
And buried at his side. 

They say he is dashing- o'er the plains. 
While his home is a scene of peril, 

Thoug-h long- they'll mourn around his g-rave, 
This is a warrior's burial. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 133 

QUIETLY THEY SLEEP IN TEXAS. 

There's an outlaw's grave in Texas, 

I found the mound today, 
Where many a daring* hero 

Has mouldered long-, they say. 

"See that mound," spake natives, 

"Where feed the g-oat and fawn? 
There many a hero is sleeping* 
With belt and pistol on." 

Some friend has planted there a tree. 

Its drooping- boughs hang- low, 
It seems to moan as alone it swing's 

In the breezes to and fro. 

No fence surrounds that lonely place, 

No stone is erected there, 
No trace is left of a human hand. 

But the mound and mouldering- bier. 

I bade farewell to the lonely g-rave, 

A bitter tear I shed, 
Then left the outlaw's resting- place, 

Who had fought and freely bled. 



134 SONGS OF DARKNEvSS, 

RHEUMATISM. 

As white as snow the patient grows, 
With iing-ers stiff and swollen toes, 
Around the room he slowl}^ goes, 
This scourg-e is coming', well he knows— 
Rheumatism. 

Like a drunken man he reels, 
His toes will try to touch his heels. 
His knees as stiff as spokes in wheels, 
With some quack doctor now he deals — 
Rheumatism. 

With faltering step he tramples slow. 
His friends pass by he cannot go, 
His back bends like an Indian's bow. 
While cords are drawn from head to toe. 
Rheumatism. 

He asks the quack for a dose of pills. 
Also credit if he kills. 
Demands a burial between to hills. 
In a cofitin plain for he has no bills — 
Rheumatism. 



' . LIGHT AND DEATH. 135 

Into the bed he g^oes to stay, 
And in one position long- must lay, 
The quack utters to him each day, 
"Is the prospects better for my pay?" 
Rheumatism. 

Between two staves his neck is pinched, 
Around his chest a bandag-e cinched, 
As helpless as a man that's lynched, 
And like a chain his bones are linked — 
Rheumatism. 

"Doctor, doctor, must I depart, 
And be carried along" in a four-wheeled cart? 
Then over m}^ g-rave will soar the lark, 
Not unless it sting-s your very heart" — 
Rheumatism. 

Long" you'll lay here like a log", 
There'll be no lig"ht, but all a fog", 
If your heart should pain you pray to God 
That you may not die here like a dog" — 
Rheumatism. 



136 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

SATURDAY'S INSPECTION OF CO. G, FORT SILL, O. T. 

Reveille has sounded, 

We've answered, every one. 
We'll g-o and eat our breakfast. 

The trouble is to come. 

Now we take our leather belts 

And dadiack a while, 
Polish every cartridg'e. 

Have everything" in style. 

Our carefully polished rifles. 

Held in the brightest ray, 
Will often throw a gleam 

A mile or two away. 

From Daggett comes this order, 
"If the sun is shining bright. 

Inspection will be in overcoats. 
The other dress be white." 

The buttons soon are polished. 

Likewise our cartridge pouches; 

Now he gives another order, 
" Inspection is in blouses." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 137 

Our blouses soon are dusted, 

We hope for a success, 
And now we g-et another order, 

"Inspection in full dress." 

We now are sore discouraged, 

So many diiferent acts; 
We hope to g-et the other 

To stand with heavy packs. 

"Assembly" now is sounding", 

The clock is striking* nine. 
And every soldier, with his gun. 
Is hastening into line. 

Soon we hear Frank Fields cry out, 
"In two ranks form a section," 

Once more he calls the roll. 

And reports us for inspection. 

Under every pair of ears 

Is a collar, stiff with starch; 
Captain Rogers next will say, 

"Open ranks and march." 

Jim Daniels hastens to the rear 

With his brasses bright and charms. 

Then Rogers strokes his dog awhile 
And says, "Inspection arms." 

18 



138 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Like the sloth he walks along- 
To every man he'll say, 
"You are dusty," or "don't you know 
That it's Saturday today?" 

A g-iant next is seen in ranks, 

Far superior to him, 
But it's "draw j^our shoulder up, 

And pull your stomach in." 

The next, perhaps a tid}' man. 
And cleaner than all in Sill, 

But it's "Fields, this man is filthy, 
Just run him in the mill." 

We finally are dismissed. 

Sober, too, as monks, 
Soon he'll walk throug*h the quarters. 

While we stand at our bunks. 

The orderly room is opened, 

"Attention," Fields will cry. 

Then every private holds his breath. 
Till the shoulder straps g-o by. 

He walks into the kitchen, 

"What have you, cook, to eat?" 
"Hardtack and salty bacon. 

But nothing", sir, that's sweet." 



IvIGHT AND DEATH. 139 

''We are running- very low, 

Or were the last assessment; 
But you are doing- nobly, 

Stay here you're whole enlistment." 

This is Saturday's inspection 

"Upon the wild frontier. 
But how can we complain? 

There's but fifty-two a year. 




140 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

SUITABLE EPITAPHS FOR THE DEAD. 

I died in the morning-, 

Could I lived until noon — 

But Jesus is g"ood, 

Ma, won't you come soon. 

Tread softly, tread lig-htly; 

Though I lay asleep, 
I was thrown on the sickle 

When death came to reap. 

Cold is my bed, 

But I'll be released 
When an ang-el with trumpet. 

Is heard in the east. 

I on earth found a Savior 

Who took me above, 
I am long-ing- to meet there 

The ones that I love. 

Behold the day cometh. 

His striving-s will cease; 

Live as I lived. 

And meet him in peace. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. ' 141 

I owed the dear Jesus, 

My note had come due, 
He called me to settle, 

For I could not renew. 

Murmur not as you pass by, 
I was not afraid to die. 

The g-ood Lord called for one he g-ave — 
See that lilies grow on my g-rave. 




142 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

SWEET HOOSIER JENNIE, FAREWELL. 

The storms rag-e wild o'er Jennie, now. 

And dimmer grows mine eye, 
'Twas God's will that I should mourn, 

And the one I loved should die. 

How proud the earth that o'er her lies — 

Drinks my many a tear; 
It seemed to smile when I marked these words, 

''My darling- slumbers here." 

Those ruby lips I kissed are cold, 

And the heart that cheered my breast 

Is stilled, and listen, 'tis I who mourns 
For the one that loved me best. 

Jennie, I know the heart's at rest 

That here was asunder torn, 
'Tis by your side I long- to lie 

In death, for here I mourn. 

Side by side we often sat, 

And spoke of the parson's law, 

Her dimpled cheek would smile with love 
As she broke the last paw paw. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 143 

Ah! this treacherous heart of mine 

No long-er would be true; 
Now she's g-one, I long- to fall 

In my coat of army blue. 

I know her peace was made with God, 

But slowly here I pine, 
For the black earth of Millroy 

Hides a darling- there of mine. 

THE BURIAL. 

At the tolling- of the bells, 

With blossoms we arrayed her, 
And kissed the lips, both pale and cold. 

Then g-ently down they laid her. 

From the g-rave so dark and deep 

I heard a voice calling-. 
With heart benumbed I answered, "what?" 

And g-rasped the spade while falling:. 

There stood beside me while I wept. 

One sister and a brother; 
Beyond was looking- in the tomb 

A gray and loving- mother. 

In the g-rave from every side 

Great clods of earth were rolling-. 
The echo struck my drums with death, 

Thoug-h the bells had ceased their tolline-. 



144 SONGS OF DAKKNESS, 

Had she arose in her snow}- shroud, 

She'd cried, "ah! treacherous lover," 

But bitterl}^ the poet wept. 

As they built the mound above her. 

May heaven be her resting- place. 

And joy ever betide her. 
And when I yield this mortal breath, 

Oh! la}' me down beside her. 

She has answered God's death call, 
I'll court here few, if any. 

And mention her in all m}' works — 
Farewell, my black-eyed Jennie. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 145 

THE PARTING OF TWO SCOTTISH LOVERS. 



HIS FAREWELL. 



I soon will leave this shore, lassie. 
The seas are rag-ing- white; 

My mother she is dying-, 

I heard from home tonight. 

Her silver locks once raven, lassie, 
The smoothen brow of yore. 

Is printed like the path we trod 
Upon old Scotland's shore. 

How she g-rieved for me, lassie. 
The morn I bade farewell, 

I brushed away the bitter tears 
That like the dewdrops fell. 

She is dying- at her home, lassie, 
My heart now burns with pain. 

And for my loving mother 

I will sail the rag-ing- main. 

So farewell, bonnie lassie, 

M}" prayers will be with thee, 

I'll g-o and find my mother 

And return again, to thee. 



19 



146 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 



THE KEPLY. 



But the seas are rag-ing- white, laddie. 
And many have found their graves 

Where the spray is hurled no higher; 
There's no mercy on the waves. 

Should you perish, laddie, 

I soon would follow thee. 
For life would be no comfort, 

Were you buried in the sea. 

The news is hard to bear, laddie, 
But 'twas God's holy will; 

Place your trust in heaven, 

And thy sad soul He'll fill. 

The ship is waiting-, laddie. 

Its streng-th I do adore. 
May God's hand smooth each billow 

Till you reach the island's shore. 

Farewell, farewell, my laddie. 

My heart ne'er'U cease to burn; 

And I'll be waiting- for thee 

When you make a fond return. 



* LIGHT AND DEATH. 147 

THE SONG OF A CHURCH BELL. 

Another Sabbath finds me swing-ing- 

Like the hammock, to and fro, 
Once more the rope is pulled with vig^or 

By the sexton down below. 

Like the waves, my voice trembles 

Over hill and over glen, 
I have no choice, all are welcome^ 

Women proud and g"odly men. 

For years I've hung- in this dome so lonely, 

To and fro have I been tossed. 
Once like g-old I shone in beauty. 

Now I'm covered o'er with moss. 

Another g-eneration listens — 

All 'twere living- when I was cast 

Are slumbering in the church yard yonder, 
'Twas I that tolled their death at last. 

When one is taken from their number. 

Or a^ soul forever fled, 
'Tis then I ring out "gone forever," 

So all may know that one is dead. 



148 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

'Tis a hundred years since I was moulded, 
For a century I've been swung", 

I fain would stop — Oh! how wear}^ 
Telling- all 'tis time to come. 

Oh! will they ever cast another 

And take me down to rest, 
Might not another voice tremble 

Even thoug-h it echoes best? 

Often I have rung- out, "fire!" 

When the stormy winds would blow, 

Then reel alone, like a drunken man. 
On my pivot to and fro. 

Take me down and swing- another; 

May it sound a sweeter chime. 
And stand the storms as I have stood them, 

Thoug-h brig-ht will turn like moss in time. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 149 

THE POET'S DREAM OF THE END OF TIME. 

I saw an ang^el in the sky 
Soaring- down where I didst lie, 
He cried aloud while passing- by, 

" Your soul needst know no sorrow, 
I am an ang-el and your friend. 
My love for all doth far extend, 
And always shall unto the end, 
But that will come tomorrow. 

" Thou hast friends that's dear to thee, 
Friends that you will never see, 
I shall warn them all to flee. 

That all mig-ht heed the warning; 
God bade me come this lovely day 
And ask .you all down here to pray — 
I must journey on my way, 

I bid farewell this morning"." 

His wing-s were white as driven snow, 
He came for all down here, I trow. 
Like a bird he soareth hig-h and low. 

And I was left to wonder. 
He disappeared, I was left alone, 
Nor could I find my way towards home. 
Then a wondrous lig-ht in heaven shone, 

And a voice I heard, like thunder. 



150 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

" Flee, oh! flee, from the wrath to come, 
Today thy work must all be done. 
And 3'ou must meet Christ, every one, 

Be ye therefore read3\ 
Tomorrow He cometh, and time is o'er, 
He will shine on earth as ne'er before, 
And saints, with Christ, will view that shore; 

The disbeliever's 3^oke is heav}-." 

I saw him ride upon a cloud, 
The world was dark, he spake aloud, 
"Tomorrow wind in thy snowy shroud, 

That all mig^ht be forgiven, 
I am going- home, my work is done, 
Through Christ they've heard me, every one, 
Yet few shall heed, but soon I come 

To guide the saints to heaven." 

He was blinded again from out my sight. 
Once more the world seemed dark as night. 
And still remained the morn brought light, 

Few were there found waiting. 
We looked afar to an eastern hill, 
Down its side ran a quiet rill, 
Those golden trumpets sounded shrill. 

And the clouds were separating. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 151 

Christ appeared with an ang-el band, 
Crowned and flying hand in hand — 
The Savior knelt upon the sand 

And seemed to me to pray; 
A voice, like thunder, from heaven said, 
" Let the earth and sea g-ive up their dead," 
This was done, and sinners fled 

To rocks, where'er they may. 

" We cannot stand," I heard them cry, 
" Soon Christ, in glory, will journey by; 
For our transgressions we must die. 

His mercy now has fled." 
The mighty rocks their only cover. 
They cry for help one from another, 
For fear of death they madly shudder; 
God's laws no longer tread. 

I heard the Savior call the roll; 
And loudly answered every soul, 
" I am going home," the bell doth toll, 

I hear its sweetest chime; 
But far below a dreadful moan. 
Amidst such flames that heaven shone — 
And we were gathered on Christ's throne — 

This was the end of time. 



152 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE FATE OF THE WARSHIP VICTORIA. 

SUNK BY THE CAMPERDOWN, JUNE 23. 1893. 

The Mediterranean once more a grave for true seamen, 
Give ear, sons of freedom, I'll relate the sad story. 

May we never forg-et, though our locks turn like silver, 
How the Camperdown sunk the warship Victoria. 

The Mediterranean squadron on the coasts of Sahara 
Was sailing for Tripoli, in the heights of their 
glory, 

Commanded by Tryon, these gunners were bearing* 
The Flexible, Phantom, Peril and Victoria. 

The second, commanded by Rear Admiral Hastings, 
Composed of the Camperdown, Dreadnaught and 
Collingwood, 
The Kdgar, the Fearless, all sailed in two columns, 
Their location was viewed and pronounced very 
Sfood. 



& 



The sea was smooth, the sky brig^ht and cloudless. 
Their keels rent their way with all possible power. 

The waters divided, as for the children of Israel, 
While making a run of twelve l^nots per hour. 

Sir Tryon, with pennants signaled the others. 

Wishing that Hasting's his plans would explain, 

It seemed these two gunners were nearing each other. 
Neither on line would pause or remain. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 153 

Captain Burk spake aloud on board the Victoria, 

As the great gunner paused and shot like a dart 

"Form the fleet in divisions imposed of port, sir, 
And the distance must be six cables apart." 

"But six is too narrow, 'tis eight," cried the Admiral, 
"Be quick in your movements, your command, sir, 
was wrong;" 

Flag Lieut. Gilford obeyed Burk's first order. 
Hoisted the flag and the message had gone. 

Informed his mistake, he climbed to the chart-house, 
His message with flag was quickly rehearsed, 

And lowering his hand to interpret the answer, 
Received in reply the one for the first. 

A mistake of two cables imperiled their danger, 
Like a wounded whale the gunner took flight. 

And, seeing great danger, the Victoria kept starboard. 
By turning her rudder four points to the right. 

Again she paused, while changing direction. 
To increase her speed was losing no time; 

The Camperdown struck her bow to the starboard, 
And severed the gunner to her center-line. 

"Oh! God," uttered voices in every direction. 

As the Camperdown halted, backward to creep, 

A collision mat spanned each rent in the gunner. 
Their labor was lost for they rolled in the deep. 

20 



154 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Her bows were rocking* and life boats were lowered, 
Sir Tryon spake calmly as ever before, . 

*'Eacli man at his post, as 3^et we're not sinking*, 
And I'll steer the rudder straight to the shore." 

Fastly she sunk, her rents were soon buried. 

Over her bow was running* the tide, 
The officers and crew were overboard leaping* 

As the g*unner heeled over to the starboard side. 

Tryon stood at his post with Midshipman Herbert, 
The g*unner was sinking*, all help was too late, 

Like two loving* brothers, the)^ g*rasped one another, 
"Herbert," cries Tyron, "we'll share our death 
fate." 

Farewell, farewell, thou once proud Victoria, 

You've sailed the g*reat seas, but at last found thy 
rest. 

Thy flag*, once in air, now rides on the billows; 

May her crew be numbered with the heavenly blest. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 155 

TIS FOR HOME AND LIBERTY. 

Tonig-ht I walk this lonely post, 

Kvery human voice is still. 
But the wolves are howling- in my path 

From Mount Scott to Fort Sill. 

Even in this perilous path 

My heart is lig-ht and free, 
Though dang"er hides in every crevice, 

'Tis for home and libert3\ 

Oft upon the hig-hest peaks 

I've heard the Indian yelp, 
While others would abscond themselves 

With knife, to take my scalp. 

'Tis oft I think of friends at home. 
Who would lend a helping* hand, 

I'm reminded, too, of the banner state 
They call cold Michig-an. 

Oft I think of the o*ld brick house 

Where once I was so free. 
Still I never wish me back — 

'Tis for home and liberty. 



156 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE SONG OF SEASONS. 



I melt the cold snow and send forth the flower, 
And loosen the streams with many a shower. 
Cold winter is g-one and I have the power. 
And the birds sing sweetly in every bower. 

The lambs skip and play, the bud on its stem 
Is rapidly swelling- to blossom again, 
The quadruped hides no more in his den, 
And a velvet-like carpet covers the glen. 

The fishes rejoice, the eaglets cry. 

And the pelican builds her nests up on high. 

Life is sweet, none wish to die. 

Now I will listen to summer's reply. 



With m}' warm shower's and the sun's brightest ray 

I turn the wavering clover to clay. 

The golden grain in my breezes shall swaj^ 

And the bare-footed urchin so merrily play. 

At the rising of sun, the servant will toil 

While the farmer is earnestly tilling the soil, 

The serpent in peace rests in its coil 

And the air is fragrant with the sweet penn3-royal. 



IvIGHT AND DEATH. 157 

In the pleasant forests the wild flowers bloom, 
The honey bee labors their sweets to consume, 
All seem cheerful, for banished is g-loom, 
And the bachelor is as happy as a bride and groom. 

AUTUMN. 

I ripen the fruit till it falls to the g-round 
And spread a red carpet over each mound, 
Far in the wildwood reechoes the sound — 
The report of the rifle and the yelp of the hound. 

I fill every cellar, no famine returns. 
In the lowliest cottag-e a brig-ht fire burns. 
Preparing" for winter with many concerns, 
And the bird on wing- for a season adjourns. 

My winds bring- the harvest, no moments to spare. 

Now and then a flake is seen on the air. 

When harvest is o'er I'll banish your care, 

You may sit by the fireside and partake of your share. 



Ah! I have returned to conquer, at last. 

And send forth the snow with the cold, sting-ing blast. 

The flowing- streams again I'll hold fast. 

Spring- and summer are seasons of the past. 



158 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Remain in your cots while I sweep o'er the land, 
And out of doors don't venture to stand, 
I soar like the condor, outstretch my cold hand, 
Summer is gone and I'm in command. 

I'm dreaded by all, yea, loved by none. 

The young- and the old, me. Winter, they shun, 

I care not for friends for alone I begun, 

I'll blockade their paths, but soon I'll be done. 




LIGHT AND DKATH. 159 

A WONDERFUL SCULPTOR. 

There's an old slate rock in the Wichita mountains 
Wonderfully chiseled, I found it at morn, 

The head of Black Fish, the ancient war chieftain. 
Is inlaid with g-old by his war club, so worn. 

As were it burnished with blood-stones, the eyes made 
of diamonds. 

It blinded my optics when lit by the sun, 
I crept round the rock in search of a foot print 

Till my joints grew weary in finding- not one. 

I turned me towards home to tell my loved comrades. 
And peeled off the bark from a sprig- that g-rew 
near. 

But, far beyond, I saw a small foot path, 

'Twas trodden, methinks, for many a year. 

I followed the path o'er rocks and g-reat ledg-es. 

Wondering- each moment what the next might bring. 

Was still told to follow by the sand on the surface. 
What fell from a shoe when an echo would ring. 

I paused, I heard a cry at a distance, 

So different than when the angels came low, 

I fell in a crevice and, nestling closer, 

For it seemed that a sprint of my garment would 
show. 



160 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Dare I peer o'er? no, and nestling- closer, 

Ivike a child on its mother's breast in a storm, 

The shrieks and cries, I heard them decreasing". 

Then a rattling* like moving* a once living* form. 

Their cries soon ceased and naught but a chanting- 
Was heard, and seeming-ly moved away, 

I rose to my feet and moving- forv^ard 

Where numberless prints were marked in the clay, 

I followed the path that for years had been trodden, 
At the end I found a frail rusty lock. 

And the door from its hing-es fell when I pushed it — 
lyist while I tell 3^ou what lay neath this rock. 

Bones of bucks, squaws and papooses, 

Ming-led tog-ether and carelessly thrown, 

Equipments of war, bonnets and moccasins. 

The remainder of the tribe returned there to mourn. 

Cradles of infants, arrayed with elk tushes. 

Are laced with sinews and skin of the fawn. 

Arm-bones caressed them, methinks 'twas a mother. 
The child so tender is perished and g-one. 

Their tom-toms still swing-, lances are g-leaming-. 
No white man save me has tasted this breeze, 

Something seems to be guiding my pencil. 

As I tell the fate of the ancient Shawnees. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 161 

PARTING OF REUBEN AND MANDA. 

*'I'm going- to leave you, dear Reuben, 

And sail for Europe, you know, 
Where they roll a corpse in a blanket 

And keep it a year in the snow. 
If I'm not mistaken, dear Reuben, 

Europe is beyond one great sea; 
I want you to answer this question, 

Will you ever come sailing to me? 

"Now, Reuben, I know that you love me. 

Although you are sly as a mouse. 
And often creep in at midnight 

And throw me out of the house. 
I'm only leaving to spite you. 

That face I will soon long to see. 
You're often affectionate, Reuben, 

When will you come sailing to me? 

"Don't wait, you're never forgotten, 

I love you with all of my heart, 
You will some day be rueing your folly, 

And that is the reason we part. 
I long for an encouraging answer 

And know I'll receive it from thee; 
I have but a moment to tarry. 

But will you come sailing to me? 

21 



162 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

"I'll list if you've something- to tell me, 

But, Reuben, I can't tarry long-. 
Oh! how you will mourn by the fireside 

When you think of poor Manda that's g-one, 
I hope you'll reply before parting-, 

I will anxiously listen to thee; 
Can you murmur, dear, without mourning-. 

And say when you'll come unto me?" 

"Yes, 
"When the nig-ht comes on in the morning-. 

And the whip-poor-will sing-s like the crow, 
When the eagle builds his nest on the soil. 

And the bluebirds are hunting- for snow; 
When they move the rocks from Greenland's 
long- shore. 
And heap them all up in your view; 
When masons build houses with corn cobs. 
Then I'll come sailing- to you. 

"When peach trees bear onions in winter. 

And cats refuse milk when it's warm; 
When a blacksmith will own a g-ood swine-hook, 

And a trotter that never was born; 
When you catch a great whale with a hornet. 

And its oil will sparkle like dew; 
When you find Guiteau is not living. 

Then I'll come sailing to you. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 163 

"When a girl has mumps, and won't murmur 

When she's fed upon pickles and crust; 
When you boil a capsule ten minutes 

And swallow before it will bust. 
When you tell me where Cain's wife existed, 

And the five days Methusalah felt blue; 
When you tell where a mastodon is living", 

Then, Manda, I'll sail there to you. 

"When you find a g^old mine in your chip yard, 

And an Indian attorney at law; 
When the wise will face a tornado, 

And a woman resting- her jaw; 
When you find the word 'g-irl' in the bible. 

And a mule of a brig-ht greenish hue; 
When you g^rant all this dear Manda, 

Then I'll come sailing- to you. 




164 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE TWO PENCIL SELLERS. 

Along" the dark street how slow they did walk, 
Both crippled and scarcely able to talk, 
Says one to the other, I pause to hear, 

" What shall we do?'' then came a g-reat tear 
From a dim, sunken eye, and rolled slowly down 
And fell from his chin like lead to the g-round; 

"Pencils, pencils, will there any one buy?" 
They would wander all day with that pitiful cry. 

Soon nig-ht o'ertook them, they knelt on the sod, 
And offered a prayer to their great living- God, 
They asked with faith for one ray of light, 
Also for protection on that g-loomy nig-ht. 
No long-er could I my great heart command. 
Forward I stepped and grasped their two hands. 
They were nourished with food and refuge was given; 
For reward I ask but one view of heaven. 




LIGHT AND DKATH. 165 

THE DECEASED KINGS ROYALTY OF REST. 

There is built in Honolulu a royal tomb, 
Its walls are lofty, it contains but one room, 
Proud king's that reig-ned in years g-one by 
Have yielded to God and tog^ether they lie. 

There's none left to mourn, no hearts filled with woe, 
The friends of the kings perished centuries ag-o, 
In coffins of g"old sleep the humble and proud, 
Their heart's dust would fly to the heavenly cloud. 

The walls tower hig-h, a g-old strand surrounds, 
It seems to be chained to the royal g^rounds. 
The g-reat slabs of coral, white as the snow, 
Glisten like pearls above and below. 

There grows at the door most beautiful trees, 
That bow and moan in the soft sea breeze. 
Another is heard, and a beautiful song 
Sung over the tomb of the monarchs gone. 

This sacred repository, or royalty of rest. 
Is guarded by a giant with an armored breast, 
Ivike the statue of liberty, he towers afar. 
And with but one effort the doors are ajar. 



166 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The sights now witnessed can scarcely be told, 
As the doors open wide on their hing^es of gold. 
Like the shocked cannoneer you'll stand in amaze, 
As a collection of cof&ns at once meet your gaze. 

All in their beds, engraved on the cover, 
Have mouldered for centuries beside one another 
The remains of Kamehameha, renowned as Noah, 
Is one profound secret on a frame of Koa. 

In scrupulous order each coffin is numbered. 
Many bearing the record of fifteen hundred. 
In beds of beaten gold sleep both timid and hero. 
Enraptured in beauty as Rio Janeiro. 

As you stand by the coffins that never can rust 
Brings intense sadness as you gaze on their dust. 
There the dusky monarchs lie who have wielded the 

rod, 
All have fallen proud victims to God. 

Some have stood by the altar in life to admire 
Innocent gore pour out on an unquenchable fire, 
And hear the moans ascend to the sky — 
Laughing with scorn while the innocent die. 

Paganism raged, they were crazed with insanity, 
Never hearing of God nor the love of Christianity, 
The first royal dead, interred in this tomb. 
Perished in England amid darkness and gloom. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 167 

The wife of Kamehameha, now reposing- by him, 
Once asked the great God for forg-iveness of sin, 
The prayer being- answered, her sins are forgiven. 
She dons a robe in the king-dom of heaven. 

Like the shot of a rifle, God's love pierced her heart, 
She often in prayer told her g-rief-stricken part, 
This tomb I've described, my thoug-hts I've let pour. 
And the g-iant still walks by the firm bolted door. 




168 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE PARTING OF TWO LOVERS. 



WILLIE S APPEAL TO HIS MARY. 



I must cross the mig*hty ocean, 
Others say the deep blue sea; 

My return may be. Oh! never. 

But, Mary, weep no more for me. 

Slaves are toiling- o'er the ocean, 
We must g-o and set them free, 

I may die, but, crowned with g^lory, 
Dear Mary, weep no more for me. 

How you'll miss me, Oh! my lady, 
When you stroll on yonder lea. 

Soon I'll be g^one, then who will cheer you? 
Dear Mary, weep no more for me. 

Farewell, lady, 'tis now I leaA^e you — 
Dark and g-loomy seems the sea; 

If I return, I'll try to find you. 

Dear Mary, weep no more for me. 



THE REPLY. 



Do you remember what you told me 
In the shade of yonder tree? 

'Twas there I took your hand, so tender. 
Oh! why not, "Mary weep for thee?" 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 169 

Willie, there you promised, truthful. 

You would some day marry me; 
Now you leave to cross the ocean. 

Oh! why not, "Mary weep for me?" 

While upon your journey; Willie, 

Trust in God, that is my plea. 
Remember, dear, that far behind you, 
. Mary weeps alone for thee. 

Farewell, dear Willie, must I leave you? 

Is this a dream, or can it be? 
If you return you'll try to find me. 

Then Mary'll weep no more for thee. 




170 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE OLD SCHOOL ROOM AND THE MASTER SO 

CRUEL. 

I'm thinking today, of a school house so lowly. 
Whose narrow doors opened to welcome us in, 

When Jack-frost would sparkle and benumb every 
fing-er. 
We would find there a comfortable refuge within. 

The "Round Acorn" would roar as we filled it with 
fuel. 

We would cover the face while warming our toes; 

Oh! glorious school-days, shall ne'er be forgotten, 

For the poet oft mourns as older he grows. 

I remember his desk and the master so stately, 

Who never would smile, though he'd patience 
with each. 
At his side were two pins that held a great raw-hide, 

The tears came forth when the master would reach, 
His buxom arm wielded the rod without mercy, 

And, like a huge lion, his victim would roar. 
Had a spray been attached to the seat of their trousers, 

No sprinkler'd been needed to dampen the floor. 

There once came a lady, we called her Miss Dixon, 

A picture of rustic health, beauty and love. 
When her dimpled cheek smiled, I thought of sweet 
roses, 
Could a countenance been sweeter from the heavens 
above? 



LIGHT AND DEATH. l71 

My being- young* and, also, quite bashful. 

The master, on his dig-nity, often would say, 

"Arise, you young" rascal, take your primer and pencil. 
And remain in the seat with Miss Dixon, today." 

My cheeks would flush like a boy's lighted pumpkin. 

And like a young" gosling" o'erwhelmed by the tide. 
My head would sway both hither and thither, 

And I drew a long breath when I sat at her side. 
"Do you love me," spake she "I see you come often?" 

I whispered, "Miss Dixon, will you please stop?" 
Again I would mourn like a babe that is hungry. 

Or some foolish bo)^ who had lost his new top. 

I then thought the master both heartless and cruel. 

And often I wished he would take ill and die. 
The school and Miss Dixon would titter with laughter. 

As my care-worn face would wrinkle to cry. 
The winter soon ended, vacation was nearing, 

High in the tree-tops the robins would sing, 
A reward of merit was to me presented, 

I was laboring a little to prepare for the spring. 

Vacation soon ended, the school-bell was ringing. 

Father said unto me, "I shall ne'er rear a fool. 
Take your pencil and primer, a basket of dinner. 

You may play with permission but study in school." 
Quick came this reply "There's a fool in each family. 

There was a mistake in constructing this model. 
So, pa, expect nothing it will surely be granted. 

No matter how long you tutor this noddle." 



1^2 SONGvS OF DAKKNKSvS, 

Convinced I must go, I went on my journey, 

Long- seemed the road for the school-bell had rung-, 
I paused on the porch like a dumbfounded spoony, 

And remained three hours after greeting- was sung. 
My courage increased, the narrow doors opened, 

My heart was benumbed but soon regained friction. 
Not minding the teacher, I stepped to a side seat 

As far as I could from pretty Miss Dixon, 

I saw Mary Horton and a maid they called Lilly, 

The teacher was handsome but arrayed in disguise, 
It seemed I was lost, and I oft thought of mother. 

For no one came, I thought, of my size. 
Mine eyes were cast downward like a maid amid ocean. 

The boys would chaff and the girls tried to giggle, 
"What troubles you, baby," the teacher soon uttered. 

I told her eit once I had broken my fiddle. 

" Aside your books, 'tis twelve," she said sternly, 

"And fill my gold vase with flowers, I implore." 
I returned about two, the vase being crowded, 

My beautiful thistle-blows fell to the floor. 
She uttered, "you're late," with her lynx-eyes rolling, 

"Can you not hear the bells, or have you no sense?" 
"I became lost in the two-acre wood lot. 

And plucked the thistle-blows here by the fence." 

"You're to be pitied," she said, as I whimpered, 

" Would I ever be guilty of flogging you? Never." 
To the end of that term I was bothered but little. 
The rumor soon spread I was dumber than ever, 



I.IGHT AND DKATH. 173 

I loved the maid Lilly, but how could I tell her, 

Thoug-h far in the woodland one plainly could see 

A wreath of oak leaves entangled in roses, 

And "Lilly G. M." plainly carved on a tree. 

Weeks passed by, but seeming-ly slowly, 

For I was a fool and to wisdom was blind, 
But often in solitude I would sit and ^row weary, 

And many good thoug-hts I'd commit to my mind. 
Corn harvest soon came, the brig-ht leaves were fading-. 

Farewell to the summer, I've explained it to all, 
That term soon closed and I was with father, 

I'll describe the old room if I g-o in the fall. 

Fall found me living-, but, Oh I thiit long- journey, 

My discourag-ed brain and unoiled g-ear, 
It seemed I would faint while trudg-ing- that journey. 

And I'd carried one primer for over a year. 
Throug-h vacation I cultured my limited power, 

And felt the improvement day after day, 
I soon thoug-ht it rig-ht to speak up, aloud. 

And let people know what I had to say. 

I seiw the old school-room, humble as ever, 

The smoke was hurled higher than ever before, 
I ag-ain stood ag-hast when I viewed its interior, 

There the master of old was pacing- the floor. 
I departed at once, I feared him as ever, 

And cried, "Oh! cursed be this old room." 
My mind of care was soon chang-ed t(^ joy, 

For Miss Dixon entered soon after noon. 



174 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

"Hello! Miss Dixon," at recess I uttered, 

"Did you enjoy this lovely vacation? 
By your constant returning-, you must be determined 

To commit to your brain a g-reat education," 
" Oh! no," she replied, "I love the old school-room, 

The larg-e defaced desks and the motto so true, 
I must ask you one question before called to study. 

What broug-ht this g-reat chang-e? Once bashful 
were you." 

"I learned it from father, he is not very bashful 

And during- vacation he v^ould make me reveal 
My plains and all secrets, and if not satisfactory. 

He'd spit fire like a saw on a steam emery wheel. 
My continual dressing-s from half-trimmed witch hazel, 

The presenting- each day of my funeral shroud. 
And the skull of a horse each morn in my trousers, 

'Twas not very long- till I'd speak up aloud." 

She was seeming-ly pleased and smiled at my answer. 

And said, "you're life's joy is only beg-un," 
Like a g-reeny, bewildered I list at a knot-hole. 

Where a robin for years had been rearing- her 
young-, 
Her shame was concealed that on me was visible. 

That kind loving- face I more daily admired, 
Oft we'd haste to the boug-h that hung- from a maple. 

And there she would swing- till my arms would 
grow tired. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. l75 

The fall term soon closed, I again went to father, 

To help haul wood and winter supplies, 
The squawking- of geese, the reports of rifles. 

Soon drove the bees from Simonses hives. 
Farewell to the school-room and pretty Miss Dixon, 

I scarce knew a word in my primer as yet. 
Father says I'm a fool and may study at even, 

Oruwhat I have learned I will shortly forget. 




176 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE ANGRY PECAN AND THE PLEASANT OAK. 

*' How old art thou?" the pecan cries, 
"Oh! that you would resig-n, 
Of late your ag^ed and roug^h-barked roots 
Are cling-ing- fast to mine. 

* ' Why sway so proud in the forest old 

When the storms are fierce and wild? 
Your old roug"h bark compares with mine 
As a workman with a child. 

"Your leaves are rough, like the critter's tong-ue, 
Yet veined to a high degree, 
Their large ribs twist and laugh with scorn 
As they gaze on tender me. 

"The raccoon hides in 3"our deca3^ed boughs. 
On thy limbs the panther purrs. 
Your fruit is food for only swine, 
Yet covered o'er with burrs. 

"Don't you feel ashamed, old oak. 

That 3'OU are living? Tell me true. 
My voice fast is growing weak, 
I will listen now to 3'ou." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 177 



THE REPLY. 



"Long- have I graced this forest wild, 
And proud, pecan, am I, 
That my old and roug-h-barked branches sway 
So proudly in the sky. 

"Hunters of yore, that are dead and g'one. 
Oft knew not where to go, 
At length they marked me as a guide 
Before you took root to grow. 

"As a father pitieth his only child, 

I have sheltered you from storms, 
My trunk would sway to catch the frost, 
While o'er thee spread my arms. 

"When 3^ou, pecan, was but a sprig. 
To my boug-hs I did appeal. 
And one of them fell quite near thy root, 
For fear of the hunter's heel. 

"A hundred years have passed and gone; 
The storms, the sun and moon 
Have decayed the broken heart above. 
In it hides the shy raccoon. 

"In my lower limbs is a maiden's bones 
That fell from a lover's blow. 
While unearthing- her form, I nearly fell — 
'Twas a thousand years ago. 

23 



178 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

"Her bones have slowly turned to dust, 
Kxcept the one I lull; 
Wound with boug^hs, deprived from earth. 
Is that handsome maiden's skull. 

''I've seen the Indian running wild 
With quiver on his back, 
And where your trunk is firmest now 
He found the otter's track. 

"My fruit is naug-ht compared with thine, 
But I've sheltered you from birth, 
And filled the path where the hunter's heel. 
Would crush you back to earth. 

"I'll forg-ive for you are young-. 
But speak more kind to me. 
As ever, I will shield you from the storms, 
I will listen, now, to thee." 



THE PECAN. 



"Oh! father oak, forg-ive your child. 
Thou art a g-lorious tree, 
I will always boast, if spared to tell. 
How you've protected me. 

" 'Tis true the maids will seek my fruit, 
And always call it best. 
But where thy branches shade the soil, 
They pause for sweetest rest. 



I<IGHT AND DEATH. 179 

"I have seen the hunter in my time 
Lower his bleeding" g-oose 
And take a bead from your roughest bark, 
And fire on the grazing- moose. 

"Once more I ask of thee, forgive, 
Preserve the skull below. 
As the rest has perished in the earth, 
Keep that as white as snow. 

"We try to reach but 'tis in vain. 
Long- may thy branches sway; 
When severed by the woodman's ax. 
May you fall and quick decay." 




180 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE POETS PLEA. 

Ah! miserable man am I, 
Afraid to live, and afraid to die, 
I tremble like the the thief at nig"ht 
At the word of God and what is rig^ht. 

My soul is clad so deep with sin 

I love no one, not even Him, 

Throug"h transg-ressing- long, my heart is cold. 

And naug-ht but sin now stains my soul. 

Others cry to God in the heavens, hig-h, 
And speak as were he walking- by; 
Few long- to sleep beneath the sod — 
They say He is a merciful God. 

I know Him not, poor wretched soul, 
Thoug-h oft His love my mother told; 
His vile, I know, will stain poor me 
Both in this world and eternity. 

When a bo}' at home, among the free, 
I often thought, "is there rest for me?" 
Would bow to God and shed a tear. 
Nor would I long for comfort here. 



I.IGHT AND DEATH. 181 

But now I meet with naug-ht but scorn, 
Cursing" the day that I were born; 
Oh! could I die by my flowing- bowl, 
And destroy this poor wicked soul. 

None happy as I with g-olden store. 
Could I but die to wake no more; 
If again I'm shown the paths I've trod, 
My soul will tremble before the God. 



mmi 




182 SONGS OF DARKNKSS, 

THE DESTRUCTION OF WELLINGTON, KANSAS. 

AS WITNESSED BY THE WRITER MAY 27, 1892. 

The brig-ht sun shone o'er the city at morning-, 
Far in the heavens her domes towered high, 

No voice spake, no sound uttered warning- — ■ 
Prepare for death, destruction is nigh. 

Calm was the breeze that kissed the proud cit}^ 
Gay was its inmates, aged and young. 

The bright spires glistened like light-bugs at evening, 
Or the flying- specks from the g-old-workers flung. 

Only one cloud was seen in the heavens. 

Seemingly harmless, and floating quite low. 

No warning was heard, no trumpet was sounded 

For the doomed city, Welling-ton, as for Jericho. 

The day g-rew old, the bright sun was hidden 
Behind the clouds, as g-oats on the steep, 

Destruction and carnage hung o'er the city, 

Matrons and daughters together would weep. 

The funnel-shaped clouds like corkscrews were turning. 
And the winds from the north were soon raging 
hig-h, 

Windows fell, great towers were trembling-, 

Wellington was doomed and no help was nig"h. 



IvIGHT AND DEATH. 183 

The cries of the mourning- were drowned by thunder, 
Tog-ether they murmured to God while they wept, 

The rich and the poor were crowded tog-ether, 

And the g-reat rocks awoke that for centuries had 
slept. 

Great timbers, like straw, were hurled to the heavens, 
Gray sextons faced death while tolling- the knell, 

Carnag-e cried loud and sprang- like a tig-er, 

With one shriek and moan when Wellington fell. 

One wail was heard from the once proud city. 

When the g-reat towers fell where the timid had 
fled, 

The rich and the poor, the proud and the humble. 
Were numbered tog-ether as wounded or dead. 

She has fallen, oh! God, let us flee to her rescue. 
Care for the mourning- and bury the dead. 

And mark the g-raves of the loved ones who've perished, 
With a slab of white marble arrayed at their head. 

The morn shone brig-htly, eve broug-ht destruction. 
Who were the doomed? Non-inmates must tell. 

Now the city is silent and mang-led forever, 

And the domes laid prostrate when Welling-ton fell. 



184 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

'TIS HARD FOR THE WEALTHY TO DIE. 

So different am I from the wealthy and proud, 
Who flaunt in the breezes a woven shroud. 
They g^aze on the humble with intense shame, 
And murmur with scorn, as were they to blame. 
They admire the g'old strand that crosses their breast, 
The hand forms a wheel that rolls to their rest. 
They stare on their riches and murmur "'tis I" — 
How hard it will be for the wealthy to die. 

They g-aze on the homeless, their blood boils in rag"e. 
Proud as a parrot in a g-old-beaten cag-e, 
They strut like the peacock, and their elevated nose 
Only turns from afront when they gaze on their clothes, 
Onward they glide like a storm-driven wave, 
Blessing the earth and cursing the grave, 
One's life amid luxuries soon passes by. 
How hard it will be for the wealthy to die. 

They journey along in their path strewn with ease, 
Their longing eyes can scarcely be pleased, 
But often they gaze on the storm shrieking blast. 
And cry like a child, the years passeth fast, 
Again they murmur, "I'm a shell filled with pith. 
The clocks in domes strike nearer is death," 
They pause like a kite, in the breezes calm sigh, 
How hard it will be for the wealthy to die. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 185 

They think of their doom and the dark g-rave so deep, 
How God can lay such a g-reat brain to sleep, 
They fear g-rim death in their comfortable home; 
For all must travel that journey alone. 
Down to the g-rave on land or on sea, 
Departed with riches to journey with me, 
At the brink of death's door for mercy they'll cry, 
How hard it will be for the wealthy to die. 

The poor in their poverty await the death call. 

The rich with abundance cry "Could I take all." 

The poor look to God for heavenly rest. 

The rich think of two hands soon cold on the breast. 

The voice of God will soon echo loud. 

The vain and the humble, why should they be proud. 

The Savior will answer, if for mercy we cry. 

The proud and the humble in glory can die. 




186 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE POET'S SONG OF HOME. 

I will sing" of the home that I loved so well, 
The home of both labor and play; 

Like a boat in a storm whose rudder is lost 
I fastly am drifting- away. 

My thoug-hts wander back to the old brick cot 
That stood on the corners for years, 

The wide door would open to the strang^er who came, 
'Twas the abode of their daily careers. 

Glad was my mother to welcome them in, 
Father would offer his old oaken chair, 

In thoughts I see mother as she sat alone 
Twining- her long raven hair. 

Our family was small and lowl}' this cot, 
But where lived they happy as we? 

Thoug-h sisters we'd none to enjoy a share. 
And boys, we numbered but three. 

Mother would sit and sing- to her bo3^s. 
Tell us of God and His love, 
" When throug-h on this earth, if good," she would say, 
" You may dwell with the ang-els above." 

How often we'd journey, my brother and I, 
To fish in a small chattering- rill, 

When hung-ry we'd run and never look back 
Till we reached the brick cot on the hill. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 187 

A few years have passed and mother is g"one; 

When I saw her first lock of g"ray 
I returned to the woods and mourned like a babe 

For it seemed she would soon pass away. 

Father's eyes were dim, his beard so white 

Would float like crepe on a door, 
I once, in a vision, saw both dead and g"one 

And a willow bowed low on the moor. 

Father was living-, though long- since I heard 

His face I will never more see. 
He'd seen morning- and noon — was then on the road 

To the g-rave, and his limbs numbered three. 

I wish I were dead when my thoug-hts wander back 
To my parents and brothers, once fair. 

The marble and mound tells dear mother's tale. 
And the rest g-one, God only knows where. 

We will never meet more in this g-reat world of sin, 

But rest to our mother is given; 
I may some day stand where the g-ate opens wide, 

And see her an ang-el in heaven. 



188 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE BURIAL OF PRIVATE LODDERS. 

With muffled drifms to time our tread, 
We slowly walked beside the dead, 
Whose life of strife had quickly fled. 
And many a bitter tear was shed. 

Upon the battle field he died, 

A wrong- but mig"htier arm defied. 

That raised a lance and gored his side, 

And his heart ebbed forth its crimson tide. 

Upon a litter, deceased and cold. 

We laid a noble warrior bold; 

Ag-ain the drums his death-knell tolled, 

As for King- Georg-e and his bed of g-old. 

In a humble coffin he was laid. 
Wound with the stripes that never fade, 
And covered deep with hoe and spade. 
And we with banners did last parade. 

Behind us followed his horse, in crepe. 
A howitzer g"un and its shot a g-rape; 
Wound and bound in g-olden tape, 
And o'er him laid his mang-led cape. 

God took from us a soul he g"ave. 
That swore his county he would save; 
We planted a willow o'er the g-rave 
That it mig-ht moan for the hero, brave. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 189 



He has found his grave and the g-lorious shore, 
No more his heart will shed its g-ore, 
Nor pause at the Gatling-'s thundering- roar — 
Peace be thy rest for evermore. 




1.90 vSONGS OF DARKNESS, 

TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE BRETZ. 

[A TRUMPKTER, SLAIN AUGUST 26, 1892.] 

Thou art dead and sweetly sleeping-, George, 
On Medicine's aerial summit, 

No more we'll hasten to our arms 

At the sound of thy silver trumpet. 

But well do we remember, George, 

When your notes would storm the lea, 

Each man would hasten to his feet 
And answer reveille. 

As in life I see you, George, 

Hastening o'er the glen. 
And repeating our brave captain's cry. 

Of "forward! forward, men." 

It seems I see your trumpet, George, 
And the sky with powder black. 
And hear the notes float on the air, 
"Fall back, brave men, fall back." 

Some other sounds "assembly," George, 
But it does not sound as clear, 

Never a soldier feared to die 

When your music reached his ear. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 191 



Your trumpet rests beside you, Georg-e, 

In the lofty bluffs, afar. 
Remember your true friends down here 

And leave the gates ajar. 




192 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

THE HAUNTED CAVERN. 

A strang-er paused, one drear}- night, 

His anxious soul to fill; 
Prayed to God with conscience lig"ht, 

Near a babbling- rill. 

He journeyed on. All was well 

Across the dreary moor — 
Was swallowed by this mouth of hell, 

Four walls. A booth of yore. 

*'I am lost," the strang-er cried, 

"And know not where to g-o, 
I've entered cruel jaws, so wide. 
With neither friend nor foe." 

" Murdered and unprepared!" was the cry he heard. 
Breathless as an ancient mumm}-, with thoughts rest- 
ing" on God, the walls moaned like the tossed pine, 
and g-ore fell fast on the stranger's hand. 

He sees a form, 'tis banished now — 

Below sweet music rings; 
Another rises, makes a bow. 

And flaps two golden wings. 

A form as fair as a tender maid 

Arose, screamed, and fell. 
And cried aloud, " be not dismayed, 

Our doom is sealed in hell." 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 193 

The battle-ax, a mig-hty hand, 

No longer could remain. 
He drew another from his band 

And crashed her g-entle brain. 

Another voice uttered loud. 

Saying-, " Daug-hter, perish true! 
The murderer's hand has pierced my shroud; 

My child, I follow you." 

A dag-g-er drawn, he saw her wilt, 
And heard a voice say: 
*'I've received his dag-g-er to the hilt; 
My child, we die today." 

Then a burly strang-er walked along-. 

His hands with g-ore were red. 
He disappeared in a mig-hty throng-. 

Left mother and daughter dead. 

They say a murderer comes each night 

And hurls his dagger high; 
A mother and daughter stand in sight. 

Are struck and seemingly die. 



l^-^4 SONGS OF QAKKNRSS, 

THE OPENING OF THE CHEROKEE STRIP. 

Assembled there from far and near, 
Were raven heads and hoary 

For the numberless acres gave for homes 
In the Indian Territory. 

On steeds of sorrel, black, and white 

Were racers for the trip, 
Waiting- for the cannon's roar, 

And the opening of the strip. 

At twelve o'clock the cannon's roared. 

Each one to get the best 
Was running like a funnel cloud, 

Arising from the west. 

Thousands led the mighty race, 

As many in the rear 
Buried deep their sharpened spurs 

In their horses breathing gear. 

In the quicksand many rode, 

It divided like a lake. 
Though disappeared their steed and all. 

We could hear them drive a stake. 

Worn out steeds, like severed grass. 

Were falling here and there. 
A stake was drove at each one's head. 

We saw them everywhere. 



♦ LIGHT AND DP:ATH. 195 

Be3'Ond we'd see a handsome maid 

Just blooming- in her prime, 
Her stake was drove, she g-rasped it firm 

And cried out, "this is mine." 

We heard them chant like mourning- squaws 

From twelve o'clock till morn. 
'Tis true they'll cry, but not like this 

When Gabriel blows his horn. 




196 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

TEN SOLDIERS WITH TWENTY BAGS OF GOLD. 

'Twas the twenty-sixth of January- 
Ten soldiers marched awa}- 

From Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, 

To a town called Chicasha. 

'Twas o'er the wild prairie 

The piercing- winds would blow, 

But the Indians' g^old was coming- 
And we were forced to g-o. 

Anadarko is an inland town 
And never heard of laws. 

Inhabited b}^ cow-boys, 

Red-skins and their squaws. 

Built on the Washita river, 

We witnessed the second day. 

From Sill to the town I mentioned — ■ 
Methinks 'tis about midway. 

We pitched our tent and built a fire 
Among- that feathered host, 

Ground the coffee, broke the bread, 
Laid the bacon on to roast. 

We spread our blankets on the g-round, 
No plot was ever roug-her; 

You can now imag-ine our lodg-in^ place, 
And what we ate for supper. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 197 

The guard was stationed on his post, 

By the sergeant he was sent 
To keep the Indians off our paths, 

Or entering- in the tent. 

We used a shovel and a pick 

To make a cyclone pit, 
And the happy dreams of a freezing- man 

I never can forget. 

The morning dawned, a stinging blast 

Blew o'er the dreary moor. 
And entered the tent as it were a screen 

Upon the river shore. 

We thought we'd make a little change. 
Being stationed by the river; 

I passed the hat among the ten 

And bought from Brown a liver. 

We ate our breakfast, pulled up stakes, 

And soon was on our way, 
Shortening that long dreary road 

From there to Chicasha. 

All day we trod that dreary road. 

The sun was going down. 
And many wondered at the cause 

As we entered the little town. 



198 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

Our tent was pitched on banks of snow, 

Labor was now beg-un, 
And here we suffered for a week 

Before the money come. 

At leng^th news reached us like this — 
That ever}^ man take warning", 

For toug-hs were hidings in the town, 

And the g-old would arrive next morning-. 

Armed to the teeth we journeyed on. 
The stormy winds blew cold, 
. And the train was coming- from the north 
With twenty bag-s of g-old. 

The g-old was laid in its proper place, 
And with this precious carg-o 

We traveled o'er this dreary road. 
Bound for Anadarko. 

Thus many a mile was covered. 
O'er valley, stream and g-len, 

But on a hill we heard the cr}- 
Of twenty well armed men. 

De Reming-ton put whip to the mules. 
And was g-aining- in the race; 

We were now but twent}^ miles away 
From our old camping- place. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 199 

He forced them on about half way, 

There we came to a white's abode 

And three ox teams were coming- 

There they fled from off the road. 

Our bullets chased them every step, 

As they fled in wild dismay, 
But leaving- no g-ood work behind, 

They being- so far away. 

Kre long- we reached the inland town, 
And found the old lot vacant. 

And turned the g-old all over 
To Day, the Indian ag-ent. 

Here we pitched our tent to stay. 
For the gold we had the care. 

And g-lad were we to hear him say 
Kvery Indian has his share. 

Our rations they were almost g-one. 

Distributed was our carg-o, 
We pulled up stakes and bid adieu 

To lovely Anadarko. 

We camped that nig-ht on river Cash, 

Kvery hour seemed so long-, 
We sold our blankets for a dollar each — 

Our rations the}^ were g-one. 



200 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

The morning- dawned, we started home. 
And the winds were shrieking- still, 

Our weakened limbs were soon revived 
By a warm meal at Ft. Sill. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 201 

THE CORBETT AND MITCHELL CONTEST. 



GIVING KOUNDS. 



Come g-ather around me, sportsmen, 
I would ask you to g-ive ear, 

My tong-ue has long- been waiting-, 
Now my story you will hear. 

'Tis the Corbett and Mitchell contest 

That I will here relate, 
It happened quite near Jacksonville, 

In sunny Florida state. 

'Twas the twenty-fifth of January 
They stepped into the ring-. 

Before us stood the stars and stripes 
And the lion crouched to spring-. 

Corbett, the big- American, 

Whose career is being- told, 

Knocked the Eng-lish champion 
Senseless, stiff and cold. 

Now listen with g-reat interest. 
The truth my pen will bring-, 

Mitchell soon went flying- 

Both in and out the ring-. 

26 



202 SONGS OF DARKNESS 



Both were standing- at their guard, 

Mitchell full of vim, 
Swung- his rig-ht with all his might, 

But stopped far short of Jim. 

The}^ grasped and hugged each other, 
But neither was for love; 

Jim caught Mitchell by the nose 

With the broad heel of his glove. 

Charley slowly straightened out, 
Commenced a Briton tread, 

Then Jim sent an upper cut 

To the side of Charley's head. 

And before the Briton straightened 
And spread his feet apart, 

Corbett planted another blow 
Rig-ht over Charley's heart. 

Then Corbett sent another blow; 

But Charley was in luck. 
For he felt the cool breeze coming 

And made his famous duck. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 203 



ROUND II. 



Corbett sprang- into the center, 

Mitchell entered very slow, 
With right to guard his heart, 

And the left extending low. 

Charley never reached the center 

From the time this round begun, 

Unless he turned his back to Jim 
And made a quiet run. 

From the first blow to the last one, 

Mitchell found no rest. 
For Jim knocked him round the rinsf. 

Just as he thought best. 

Once more Jim sent an upper cut, 
Charley near went out of sight, 

And before he reached the ground 
He was stiffened with a right. 

He la}^ just like a blue coat 

Wallowing in his gore 
When a "Long Tom" slug had struck him, 

And brought him to the floor. 



204 SONGS OF DAKKNKSS, 



ROUND III. 



Now they stand with arms extended, 
Mitchell soon steps to the rear 

To simply form a backstop, 

The blood starts from each ear. 

Soon Corbett struck another blow. 

Which caused their men to g-rowl. 

When it seemed that Charley'd never stop^ 
Their cry went up " a foul!" 

Once more he stepped into the ring", ' 

He stood but little more; 
Thoug-h being- far from hungry 

For the swallowing- of his gore. 

Mitchell struck out with his rig-ht 
With all his nerve and streng-th. 

Once trying- to keep the American 
At his own arm's leng-th. 

Soon Corbett sent another blow 
That actually shook his brain, 

Over the ropes went Charley 
To never come back ag-ain. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 205 



AFTER THE BATTLE. 



There stood before us, firm, unhurt, 
America's battering- ram. 

Kelly motioned to Mitchell's seconds 
To take their helpless man. 

Hartshorn and Old Crow whisky, 
Ammonia, too, of yore, 

Was applied to Charley's nostrils 
By his father Pony Moore. 





206 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

WAITING FOR THE COW. 

I lay by the gate the other nig-tit 

Wondering- of my doom, 
My thoug"hts were wandering* far and near, 

Even to the moon. 

My dr g- was sleeping- by my side, 
'Tis the truth or lest I die; 

I saw a troop of cavalry 
Forming- in the sky. 

The captain on a steed-like cloud 

Bearing- a g-olden brand, 
He g-ently moved his sabre 

And "forward" was his command. 

They tramped along-, I heard the tread 
To music like that of Zion; 

And on their banner proudly waved 
A crouched and ang-r}^ lion. 

I dared no long-er on them g-aze, 
For many an armored beast 

Was marching- to the captain's cry; 
I turned me to the west. 

And, behold! I saw another troop 
Dimming- the western lig-hts, 

I noticed too upon a cloud 

America's stars and stripes. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 207 

At double time they hastened on, 

The drums did loudly beat, 
I heard them sound "assembly," 

But they uttered not " retreat." 

To Eng-land's army soon they rode, 

I heard great cannons roar, 
Many noble breasts were mang-led, 

And the earth drank up the g-ore. 

A meteor fell from heaven, 

Turning- darkness into lig^ht; 

It seemed I was standing- in the snow, 
Again 'twas dark as night. 

A voice spake from heaven 
Like an angel, as it were, 
" The end is near, God's wrath is come, 
Prepare all men for war." 

I was not sleeping in a trance. 

But wide awake as now; 
These sights I saw or lest I die, 

While waiting for the cow. 



208 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

WHERE FIND THY REST, O MORTAL MAN? 

We all are born to mourn and die, 
Every hour bringeth sorrow, 

This life holds to a strand from hig-h. 
And jo}^ comes tomorrow. 

Trouble like wind sweeps o'er the earth, 
And visits the mountains wild; 

Eyes of parents who loveth mirth. 
Oft sig-h for the 3'Oung-er child. 

The rich man in his mansion great. 
Cries, "Life is almost done," 

While the poor, in poverty, mourn their fate. 
And wait for death to come. 

Waiting, dreading, they journey on. 
Unforgiving remains the soul; 

The mills of time grind slowl}^ on. 
And will call them in, for toll, 

Naught but the soul can pay the debt. 
These mills demand for pay; 

From birth to grave man}- snares are set. 
They're sprung, and we're called away. 

Then why abscond from death's cold grasp. 

He raps and we must go; 
In the path we tread will others stand. 

We paid the debt the}' owe. 



LIGHT AND DEATH. 209 

We are preyed upon while life exists. 

With worms our flesh is filled; 
In depths of slumber is found no rest, 

The mind is never still. 

To live, to dread, to mourn, and die 
Is the fate of our poor souls; 

Its foundation with the soul must lie, 

Though formed in God's own moulds. 

" In midst of life we are in death," 
So sayeth Almig-hty God; 
There is found on earth no mortal rest 
Till we sleep beneath the sod. 

Where find thy rest, O mortal man? 

When in life we must endure 
So many trials, but we're told again 

There is rest in regions pure. 

27 



210 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

SO TIRED IS THE POET'S BRAIN. 

There is naug-ht before mine eyes but rhyme, 

To slumber I try in vain, 
I turn once more on a warrior's cot, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

Mine eyes are closed. The brain is still, 

Oh, that it would remain. 
Methinks I hear a voice call, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

I turn once more. No rest tonigfht. 

Mine hopes are rent in twain. 
The hum of the fly will chill my blood. 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

I hear the sound of g^olden harps. 

And, like a man insane. 
My jaws will crash like a guillotine, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

Where my mind was fixed it passes by, 

No more can I explain. 
I see in dreams but verse and rhyme, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

My flesh is dead. I am freezing" fast. 

My blood like frozen rain 
Is stilled, but I hear sweet verses read, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 



LIGHT AND DKATH. 211 

I try to turn, as yet Fm cold. 

Methinks I hear the name 
Of some loved friend that's dead and g'one, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

I at leng-th revive, my sight how dim, 

And writhing^ in great pain 
I feel my cot swing- to and fro, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

I rise and pace the oaken floor 

That sways like golden grain, 
Mine ear drums sound like shrieks of men, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

Where shall I go? To a grave, methinks; 

I stagger down a lane 
And pause awhile on a lonely mound, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

In the moon's pale light I now can see 

A dead, once living frame. 
The stars twinkle once and hide, 

So tired is the poet's brain. 

I rise to leave the haunted grave. 

And scream as I hear again 
Broad wings flap. I hear them touch. 

So tired is the poet's brain. 



212 SONGS OF DARKNESS, 

" God have mercy," at last I cried, 
" O, blessed be Thy name!" 
I sat me down on another mound, 
So tired is the poet's brain. 

Mine eyes are blind; I stand erect. 
How dark is the domain. 

It seems I'm filling a new made grave. 
So tired is the poet's brain. 

The morn to me a blessing brought, 
Like a mother relieved from pain. 

The sights I saw seem like a dream, 
At rest is the poet's brain. 




LIGHT AND DEATH. 213 

As you pore these pages o'er and o'er 

Before the lig-hts last g-leaming-, 
And close the lids for a moment's thought, 

'Twill seem like an hour's dreaming. 

But no, 'tis but a wandering brain 

That from the God would borrow, 

And help the orphan on his way — 
I will tell the rest tomorrow. 

[THE END.] 






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